Campbell’s Market

CAMPBELL’S MARKET MCARTHUR

After three years of diligent effort by city council members, county commissioners, state representatives, U.S. senators and congressmen, the residents of rural Vinton County can finally look forward to buying fresh food at their own local grocery store. Through its Healthy Food for Ohio (HFFO) program, Finance Fund provided Campbell’s Market in McArthur with flexible financing totaling $1,575,000 to build a 12,000 sq. ft. grocery store.

Since their only grocery store closed in 2013, the 13,000 residents of rural Vinton County had to travel more than 10 miles to another county to get their fresh produce, meats, dairy, bakery and other grocery items. Vinton County is a highly underserved low-income area, and is home to many senior citizens.

Rick Campbell, proprietor, brings over 40 years of experience in owning and managing two other rural grocery stores: Campbell’s Foodland in Zanesville, and Campbell’s Market in Duncan Falls, OH. The Campbell family has been in the grocery industry for more than 85 years.

15 full-time and 15-part time employees have been hired from the local community, and are accepting SNAP and WIC food assistance benefits.

“Each of Finance Fund’s Healthy Food for Ohio projects is special, but Campbell’s Market is particularly significant due to the tremendous, concerted effort behind this project’s realization. Campbell’s Market represents what HFFO is all about – providing funding to help fresh food grocers open or expand operations in disadvantaged and underserved rural and urban areas. It’s a great example of what’s possible when highly committed people mobilize to overcome obstacles and realize a shared vision for a healthier community.”

– Diana Turoff, President + CEO, Finance Fund

Grocery stores are fundamental to improving the quality of life and attracting business and jobs to disadvantaged communities. Grocers such as Campbell’s Market provide entry-level jobs with flexible hours for community residents and serve as economic anchors that attract neighboring development. Grocery stores also contribute to the tax base and increase property values. Grocery development through Finance Fund and its HFFO program is a key driver of economic and community health.

Project Categories