Small-chain markets in Long Beach could receive financial support to install equipment, such as refrigerators and shelves, via a new city program to promote healthier affordable foods in underserved communities.

Small businesses may apply to receive the financial support through the city’s PlanetBids portal by 11 a.m. by Jan. 11. The city also published a video with instructions on how to apply. The businesses that qualify include small markets with less than four registers, convenience stores selling food items and liquor stores seeking to expand to become small markets. Selected applicants will be awarded up to $20,000 and conversions must be completed by March 20, according to the city.

Financial support for this program could be used to purchase equipment that can accept SNAP, EBT and WIC cards for lower-income families and sanitation equipment. A prerequisite requires businesses to purchase healthy foods to be sold at no more than 15% above cost.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted Long Beach communities that are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses. The high rate of consumption of food high in saturated fats, sugars and nutrient-poor contributes to the prevalence of obesity and Type-2 diabetes—which increases risks for severe COVID-19 complications and mortality. The lack of healthier foods has added to the socioeconomic needs experienced in North, West and Central Long Beach.

The funds will be used to support the development of healthy markets as part of a more extensive campaign to promote healthy eating. Business at small bodegas and markets in North Long Beach grew during the pandemic 39% since March as communities stayed local amidst stay-home health orders.

The rate of unemployment prompted by the pandemic has also highlighted the need for affordable foods. A recent study by USC found that one of every four households in Los Angeles County experienced food insecurity at least once in the first few months of the pandemic. Scenes of thousands of cars lined up at a food giveaway in Downtown Long Beach last month highlighted the growing need.

“Increasing access to healthy food options for populations in fresh food deserts is crucial to reducing the risk of severe illness due to COVID-19,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “We encourage retail food businesses interested in healthy market conversions to respond to this request for proposal to support healthy food accessibility in our neighborhoods.”