Aid to help Katrina-struck Circle Food Store re-open

A landmark New Orleans food store that hasn't re-opened since Hurricane Katrina hit nearly seven years ago is getting financial help as it works to make a comeback.

New Orleans officials announced Thursday that the Circle Food Store will receive a $1 million loan from the city's Fresh Food Retailer Initiative, a program started last year to expand access to healthy, affordable food in low-income areas.

The initiative is funded through federal grant money and by the nonprofit Hope Enterprise Corporation.

Half the loan will be forgivable, according to a news release from Mayor Mitch Landrieu's office.

Also, the store is to receive a $100,000 city grant.

Landrieu's statement said the store was first incorporated in 1938. It was one of the city's longest continually-operated stores operated and owned by African-Americans.