KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have announced a $1.5 million grant to the West Side Market in Cleveland for its transformation project.

The gift is the first corporate contribution to the market’s $68 million masterplan project. Through community partnerships and program development, the market plans to create new and expand existing food access and education programs, many of which are centered around the importance of providing fresh produce for low income members. Upon completion of the masterplan, the current East Arcade will be named in honor of KeyBank and be home to the market’s produce vendors.

More than 25 percent of the market’s 800,000 annual visitors qualify for SNAP or EBT benefits and use those benefits while grocery shopping at West Side Market. KeyBank joins the George Gund Foundation, the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and the State of Ohio as supporters of West Side Market.

“KeyBank’s support is a major step toward achieving our ambitions to make the West Side Market far more than it was ever imagined to be,” said KeyBank Foundation board president David Abbott. “Not just a wonderful place to visit and shop, but also a positive force throughout our region. It’s all part of the market becoming the best in America.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Portra)