The comprehensive DC politics roundup — Dec. 4, 2023

By Chris Kain
Reply with tips, links, events, things or send them to [email protected]At an event this afternoon to kick off the sixth annual DMV Black Restaurant Week, the Bowser administration announced $5 million in new Food Access Fund grants in wards 5, 7 and 8.

It’s the fourth round of funding through the program and brings the total amount distributed to nearly $25 million, according to city officials. The grants are intended to increase availability of grocery stores, restaurants and other food access points in underserved areas, with an emphasis on neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Mayor Muriel Bowser hailed the funding as having helped spur entrepreneurs to fill “amenity gaps” and create jobs.

The announcement came as Bowser and others cut the ribbon at Miss Toya’s Southern Cajun Kitchen, a new Black-owned restaurant at 3216 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in Ward 7 and a previous Food Access Fund recipient.

“These investments are making a real difference in people’s daily lives,” acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert said at today’s event.

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development selected four first-time grantees this year. They are Abunai Poke, a Hawaiian eatery with plans for a new Ward 5 location; Capitol Square Bar & Grill, which will open a new location in Ward 7; Tasting Lab DC, a restaurant, food business incubator and shared commercial kitchen slated for a Ward 8 site near the Anacostia Metro station; and Muki’s Market & Deli, a new food market in Ward 7.

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