Key Facts
- Launch date
- On or around Oct. 15
- Membership
- Approximately 195 member-owners as of May
- Pre-development funding
- $50,000 from the city of St. Petersburg
- Current produce offering
- Surprise produce bags for $4.99 via Too Good to Go app
- Administrative office
- Established along 22nd Street South
Background
One Community Grocery Co-op, a member-owned cooperative in south St. Petersburg, Florida, has been working for years to improve food access in an area known for food insecurity. The organization has steadily grown its presence and membership, nearly doubling to approximately 195 member-owners as of May.
The co-op has relied on community outreach and volunteer involvement, hosting about four events per month. It has also secured $50,000 in pre-development funding from the city of St. Petersburg after the City Council approved a resolution supporting the project. The funding supports outreach, business planning, and early-stage development work toward opening a permanent grocery store.
The co-op has established its first administrative office along 22nd Street South, providing a dedicated space for meetings and community programming after years of using borrowed spaces. The office is not intended to serve as the future grocery store but offers a home base for engagement.
Current Situation
The co-op plans to launch a weekly produce box program on or around Oct. 15, according to a recent newsletter. The boxes will feature fresh, locally sourced produce, much of it harvested within 48 hours of distribution. Organizers say the program is designed to be affordable, reliable, and centered on strengthening the local food system.
Originally expected to launch earlier this year, the program was delayed to allow organizers to gather community feedback and refine details, including pricing, pickup options, and product selection. In a July update, the co-op announced the revised fall launch timeline and encouraged residents to complete an interest survey to help shape the final program.
Currently, the co-op offers 'surprise' produce bags for pick-up for $4.99 through the Too Good to Go app. The produce box initiative is another milestone for the grassroots organization, laying groundwork for its eventual brick-and-mortar grocery store.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch date | On or around Oct. 15 |
| Produce harvest window | Within 48 hours of distribution |
| Membership | Approximately 195 member-owners as of May |
| Pre-development funding | $50,000 from city of St. Petersburg |
| Current produce bag price | $4.99 via Too Good to Go app |
| Monthly events | About four events per month |
Impacts
The produce box program is expected to benefit residents in south St. Petersburg by providing fresh, locally grown produce, which may improve food access and food sovereignty. Erica Hardison, the co-op's chair, said, 'When we are fully participating in our local food system, then we'll have food access. We'll have food sovereignty. We'll get healthy and nutritious food because our food won't have to travel for days or weeks.'
Local growers and the local economy may also benefit as the program strengthens relationships with growers and encourages spending dollars locally. Hardison noted, 'When people spend their dollars locally, they're supporting local jobs, local farmers and the local economy. It's better for our health, our environment and our community.'
The program could also increase community engagement and membership, as the co-op continues to expand its presence. The co-op's long-term goal is to create a food system that benefits everyone, with Hardison emphasizing, 'It's not transactional. It's relational.'
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the produce box program launches successfully on or around Oct. 15, it could provide a sustainable model for the co-op's future operations. The program's success may depend on community participation and the ability to maintain reliable supply chains with local growers.
Should the program gain traction, it could pave the way for the co-op's eventual brick-and-mortar grocery store, which remains a long-term goal. The co-op may also expand its membership and volunteer base, further embedding itself in the community.
However, if participation falls short or logistical challenges arise, the co-op may need to adjust its approach. The organization has already shown flexibility by delaying the launch to refine details, suggesting it may continue to adapt based on feedback and demand.
Source: patch.com
