LAFAYETTE, La. — A long-awaited effort to improve access to healthy food in North Lafayette is taking a major step forward as United Way of Acadiana (UWA) announced plans to develop Jefferson Market & Deli, a neighborhood grocery store designed to serve residents of Pontiac Point, Sterling Grove, McComb-Veazey, and surrounding areas.
The market, scheduled to open by Mardi Gras 2027, will be located at 620 Jefferson Boulevard in a historic 2,300-square-foot building that will be transformed into a full-service neighborhood grocery store. Residents will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, pantry staples, and prepared food options close to home.
For many families, this project represents more than a new business. It is an answer to years of community conversations about food access and the need for sustainable solutions. Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 58:10, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.” Community leaders say Jefferson Market & Deli is designed to help meet those needs while building a stronger future.
A Community Vision Becomes Reality
The grocery store is the result of a collaborative effort involving public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private investors, and local business leaders. United Way of Acadiana spearheaded the initiative through years of research, community engagement, and strategic planning focused on addressing food insecurity throughout Lafayette Parish.
The project will be operated by Amis Grocery owners Bradley Cruice, a registered nurse, and Craig Biddy. Meanwhile, Castle Row Construction, led by developer Sam Viator, acquired the property and is overseeing the redevelopment and buildout needed to prepare the site for business.
United Way of Acadiana President and CEO Heather Blanchard said the goal has always been about more than simply providing food. The organization sought to create lasting infrastructure and investment in a neighborhood that has experienced limited access to fresh groceries for many years.
The Bible teaches in Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Supporters believe Jefferson Market & Deli reflects that principle by creating a resource that can serve generations to come.
Building a Sustainable Model for Food Access
Unlike temporary food assistance programs, Jefferson Market & Deli is designed to operate as a self-sustaining business. SNAP benefits will be accepted, and assistance will be available to help eligible residents enroll in the program.
The store will complement existing food pantries, community gardens, and food distribution efforts rather than replace them. United Way of Acadiana will coordinate volunteers, educational programming, and partnerships with local chefs, nutrition educators, and dietitians to promote healthy eating and wellness.
Organizers hope the market can become a model for other communities facing similar challenges. Their vision combines community investment, local ownership, and private capital to create a business that can thrive while meeting an important community need.
Research conducted through local hospital partnerships found that nearly half of Lafayette residents—approximately 65,000 people—live in low-income, low-access areas where obtaining fresh food can be difficult. Those findings helped inspire the Lafayette Initiative for Food Equity, which laid the foundation for the Jefferson Market project.
Partnerships Creating Lasting Change
Financial support for the project came from multiple sources, including a Collective Impact Grant from the Louisiana Blue Foundation and American Rescue Plan funding provided through Lafayette Consolidated Government. Additional financing and technical assistance were provided by upLFT Capital Access, which works to expand funding opportunities for community-focused businesses and development projects.
Through years of collaboration, United Way of Acadiana and its partners have helped create or expand multiple food-access locations, support more than 150 partnerships and programs, and serve thousands of households across the region.
As Galatians 6:9 encourages believers, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Community leaders say Jefferson Market & Deli is evidence of what can happen when people work together with persistence, faith, and a shared commitment to serving others.
Prayer for the Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the vision, dedication, and partnerships that have made Jefferson Market & Deli possible. We pray for the families and neighborhoods that will benefit from increased access to healthy food and essential resources. Bless the workers, volunteers, business owners, and community leaders involved in this effort. May this project strengthen lives, improve health, and bring hope to North Lafayette. Guide this endeavor so that it becomes a blessing to generations of residents and a testimony of what can be accomplished when communities unite in service and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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