Quality Food and Job Accessibility
Sparking Positive Change in London’s Old East Village
How ATN Access’ initiative, “The Old East Village” (OEV) Grocer is providing food and employment opportunities for London’s Old East Village community.
A strong heritage and culture are not unknown to those who reside in the OEV, but up until last summer it lacked an integral component needed by the community — fresh, local, and affordable food. Because of this the area was commonly referred to by some as “a food desert”. That was, of course, until ATN Access Inc., a charity known for supporting and servicing individuals with disabilities, decided to do something about it.
With the help of a $100,000 start-up loan from VERGE Capital, ATN Access created the Old East Village Grocer. A social enterprise initiative, it provides quality local and affordable food to an under-served area in London while also providing training and employment opportunities for those currently facing employment barriers such as mental or physical disabilities.
The OEV is set in the heart of London’s Old East Village and underwent construction last summer. VERGE Capital is proud to have been involved in this social enterprise venture and looks forward to partnering with charities like ATN on a continuous basis, those which have a social or environmental mission at their core, in an effort to further strengthen the London community.
Written By: Sara Dhurjon
