News Summary
Residents in South St. Petersburg are advocating for the creation of the One Community Grocery Co-op in response to food insecurity in the area. Despite efforts to attract major grocery chains, the community remains underserved. With 150 current members, the co-op aims to grow to 300 before progressing to the next phase. Supported by city officials, the initiative emphasizes local sourcing and community ownership, aiming to address the high rates of food insecurity affecting the area. Efforts are underway for funding and feasibility studies, while alternative municipal grocery models are being explored.
South St. Petersburg, Florida – Residents of South St. Petersburg are actively advocating for the establishment of a community-owned grocery cooperative, dubbed the “One Community Grocery Co-op” (OCGC), in response to ongoing food insecurity in their neighborhoods. Despite numerous attempts over the last seven years to entice major grocery chains to open stores in the area, these efforts have largely been unsuccessful. Currently, the initiative is in the process of expanding its membership base, standing at approximately 150 members who have already invested in the co-op. The goal is to increase this number to 300 before moving forward into the next phase of development.
City officials have expressed strong backing for the OCGC project. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard advocates for the grocery co-op model, indicating that it can significantly enhance food access in the community. The approach involves partnering with local farmers and producers to supply fresh food, thereby ensuring more local dollars circulate within the community. As of now, South St. Petersburg has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the region, affecting around 134,650 individuals, which is over 14% of Pinellas County’s population.
OCGC’s membership campaign has been gaining traction, seeing a notable 90% increase in members since February 2024. To sustain this momentum, the co-op plans to conduct a market feasibility study and participate in a national conference, for which funding requests are currently being developed. In support of the co-op’s operations and location logistics, city leaders are exploring possible sites, with the previously discussed Tangerine Plaza among the candidates.
The concept of municipal grocery stores has also surfaced during discussions among city council members. Councilmember Richie Floyd has proposed looking into this model, citing successful municipal grocery initiatives in other cities. This alternative approach could provide additional solutions to the area’s food access challenges if the community co-op does not meet demands.
To reflect the values of the community, the OCGC framework is based on democratic control, where each member has an equal vote, contrasting sharply with traditional grocery store operations that prioritize profit. This model focuses on fostering a cooperative spirit and promoting community ownership, which aims at cultivating a resilient local food system tailored to the needs of South St. Petersburg residents.
Community assessments further highlight the urgency for improved grocery access. A recent health survey indicated that nearly 25% of respondents feel they have limited options for food shopping, particularly when finances are tight. This gap in the market underscores the need for OCGC, which organizers believe can adjust its stock in close collaboration with local producers, ensuring that it meets the specific preferences and requirements of community members.
The OCGC initiative began in 2017, emerging from a recognized need for enhanced food security in South St. Petersburg. Since its inception, the co-op has maintained a focus on community engagement and outreach, which has helped build momentum for the project and strengthened local interest and investment.
As preparations for the grocery co-op continue, city council member Gina Driscoll has emphasized the necessity for immediate action regarding funding inquiries to support the project’s goals. Furthermore, as the OCGC continues to build its member base and secure operational funding, it remains poised to bring about a significant change in food accessibility for South St. Petersburg, potentially providing a sustainable and community-driven solution to food insecurity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Faces Rising Food Assistance Demands Amid Inflation
Exploring St. Petersburg: A Guide for Introverts
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Food Desert
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: Community Grocery Co-op
- I Love the Burg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooperative
- ABC Action News
- Google News: Food Insecurity St Petersburg
- The New York Times
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
