WEST REGION
$420,000 FCLF Financing
Fresh foods & natural market in Food Desert

“The partnership with FCLF is very exciting for us. This partnership is an essential component in providing greater access to fresh healthy food in the downtown New Port Richey area.” – Jeff Wright, Owner, Wright’s Natural Market

For 25 years, the Wright family has operated Wright’s Natural Market in New Port Richey, Florida. With a focus on nutrition, fresh foods, and healthy lifestyles, Wright’s is not just a grocery store – it’s part of the community. Founders Jeff and Kathy Wright understand the economic makeup of their community – a recent study showed their customers have a median household income of $32,699 – and they believe that healthy, organic nutrition should be affordable and available to all. Another important part of their philosophy is nutrition education, and they offer free classes, both in the store and in the community.

The City of New Port Richey has a plan to make the downtown area walkable and bike-able, with everything the local residents could need right in the community. The redevelopment plan includes new housing, and as a USDA Food Desert, one thing the area needs is a grocery store that can be a vital hub and gathering place in the neighborhood. Wright’s Natural Market will be the anchor tenant in this CRA redevelopment project.

With financing from Florida Community Loan Fund, Wright’s Natural Market will relocate from its current location to a new home in downtown New Port Richey. A portion of FCLF financing will convert to equity at the end of the loan, subject to successfully completing the compliance period. Additional financing is provided by the City of New Port Richey CRA.

In the new location, the Wrights plan to add a focus on connecting with local farmers and bringing the freshest local foods available to their customers. Plans are underway to collaborate with the local University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to develop a program where veterans can become master gardeners, and locally grown, organic produce can be sold at Wright’s Natural Market.

FCLF also provided Wright's Natural Market with financing for hurricane repairs in 2023.

For more information, visit www.wrightsnaturalmarket.com.
View more photos of Wright's Natural Market here in FCLF's Flickr album.

Pictured above, the new location for Wright's Natural Market prior to renovations. Below, Jeff Wright, Owner, and Lia Gallegos, Marketing Director, at Wright's Natural Market.