South Philly Food Co-Op Named Food Co-Op Start Up of the Year!

Did you know your Co-op was just awarded Start-Up of the Year? 

Check out our Press Release below and spread the word! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA, PA — The South Philly Food Co-op is pleased to announce that they have been named “Start-Up Food Co-op of the Year” by Food Co-op Initiative (FCI). FCI is a non-profit organization with a mission to “create a more just and sustainable food system by empowering communities to organize, plan, and open community-owned grocery stores.”  Each year FCI announces the “start-up co-op(s)” of the year to recognize the outstanding accomplishments made by one or two recently opened food co-ops. 

South Philly Food Co-op (SPFC) was selected not only because they “beat the odds” but because they have become a beloved neighborhood store and community hub. The co-op opened in 2020 during the pandemic, as the area’s first community owned grocery store. Five years after opening,  the co-op is  thriving and considering expansion. The co-op credits robust community engagement with their success.   

Many industry experts cautioned against a small-footprint grocery store in an urban area with no parking lot. The co-op was not deterred. They knew their community needed access to healthy food. The organizers met with other urban co-ops including established food co-ops in the Philadelphia area to seek advice on their location. After these meetings, they set out to open their store on Juniper Street, off the beaten path on a one way street, in East Passyunk Crossing. The co-op built out and opened their store during the Covid-19 pandemic which caused delays, increased costs and resulted in the business opening under-capitalized. The first few years were challenging, but the co-op persevered. 

"What is so impressive is that SPFC truly utilized national best practices for startup food co-ops throughout their organizing efforts, so well in fact that they knew how to do effective due diligence of their own when their gut told them that a key best practice was not right for their co-op. The results speak for themselves. The path they carved and what they learned from it will benefit other communities working to start new food co-ops across the US for years to come. " - JQ Hannah, Executive Director of Food Co-op Initiative. 

Since opening they have seen double digit sales growth each year. Serving nearly 500 customers a day, they have exceeded market study projections. “We exceeded our 10 year sales projections last year in our 5th year of operations!” said Lori Burge-Scott, the co-op’s General Manager.  The co-op has not only grown in sales volume and customer traffic, but also its membership base. They are now over 2,500 members strong and growing. Members invest equity in the co-op and get a voice in how the co-op is run. 

SPFC operates under the mission of “Using Food as a Force for Good.” Providing access to healthy food is central to that mission. To support these goals they partner with the National Co+op Grocers (NCG) to offer Co+op Basics, an everyday low price program, and Co+op Deals, a biweekly sales program.

“South Philly Food Co-op has been a much-needed addition to the community, as demonstrated by their continued success.  NCG is thrilled that they have been recognized by FCI as Start-Up Food Co-op of the Year.  They exemplify the co-op values and principles, particularly in their concern for the community and caring for others,” said Nicole Villano, Strategic Development Manager, National Co+op Grocers.

In keeping with their mission the co-op also hosts community events like “Harvest Jawn,” a street party that is held each September, and partners with the local organization, The Food Trust, to offer “Food Bucks,” a free produce program for those who shop with SNAP in store, and raises money for local non-profits each month through their “Round-Up at the Register” program.  

Community Members are invited to stop by the Co-op’s free Owner Appreciation Day on Thursday, June 11th from 8 am to 9 pm. There will be free samples, community tables, and more. Dietz and Watson will be at the store giving out free Dietz Dogs from 12-5 pm during the event.  PME Drumline will be performing at 2 pm. 

"This award is a testament to the South Philly Food Co-op's role in strengthening local economies, improving food access and creating healthier communities," says Mark Edwards, President & CEO of The Food Trust.

"From supporting the Co-op's development through our longstanding Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative in 2020, to bringing the store in as a redemption partner in our Food Bucks affordability program, we are proud to call ourselves partners in the Co-op's mission to use food as a force for good."  

BACKGROUND 

South Philly Food Co-op opened their full-service retail grocery store in 2020. The store is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily at 2031 S. Juniper Street near Broad and Snyder. In the store, customers can find everything from apples to zinc in common household sizes including dozens of local brands and produce.  To learn more visit www.southphillyfood.coop

NCG is a business services cooperative with a mission to support community-owned grocery stores by providing purchasing, marketing, and operational support to strengthen local food systems and promote natural and organic products. To learn more visit www.ncg.coop 

The Food Trust’s mission is delicious, nutritious food for all. Its longstanding Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative (PA FFFI) is a state-funded program that aims to improve access to healthy, affordable foods in under-served, low-income neighborhoods by increasing access to capital for businesses that sell fresh food. To learn more, visit thefoodtrust.org/pafffi

Media Contact:   

Ashley Gonzalez   [email protected]  

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