New Jersey Invests $20M in Atlantic City Supermarket To Address Food Access

Governor Phil Murphy cut the ribbon on a Save A Lot supermarket in Atlantic City's Renaissance Plaza. The store is part of a $20 million state-backed project. It's the first full-service grocery in the area for years.

Two state groups paid for the work: the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. State officials describe the city as a food desert.

Murphy called the investment "a promise fulfilled" when he toured the location.

He pointed to the project as one piece of a larger push to bring back commercial streets and get affordable food into the city.

The $20 million went toward major infrastructure upgrades throughout Renaissance Plaza. Workers fixed the roof and masonry, installed new security systems, and improved the streets around the property.

CRDA purchased Renaissance Plaza to turn it into a retail destination. The authority will hold onto the property to guarantee lasting benefits for people who live there.

Murphy said the store represents "a meaningful investment in people" during his appearance. His administration has zeroed in on economic fairness and neighborhood improvement statewide.

The opening is part of a broader state push to pull in private money outside Atlantic City's casino industry. Officials say the redevelopment should attract more businesses and create stable jobs.

State leaders aim to close gaps in access to healthy, affordable food options. The project zeroes in on one of New Jersey's most economically struggling cities with infrastructure built to support long-term stability.

Officials expect the updated plaza to spark more commercial growth while creating jobs and bringing needed services to the area.

Critics on social media questioned what the project cost. Some pointed out that taxpayers footed the bill for infrastructure that benefits a private grocery chain.