ST. PETERSBURG, FL — After years of building community support and expanding its membership, One Community Grocery Co-op is taking another major step toward its vision of improving food access in south St. Petersburg.
The member-owned cooperative plans to launch a weekly produce box program on or around Oct. 15, bringing fresh, locally grown produce to residents, according to a recent newsletter from the organization.
"We've really had to take the time to understand seasonal availability, strengthen relationships with local growers and estimate participation so we can launch a program that's sustainable from the start," Erica Hardison, the co-op's chair, told Patch.
The produce 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 to supporters, the co-op announced the revised fall launch timeline and encouraged residents to complete an interest survey to help shape the final program.
Leading up to this program, the co-op currently offers "surprise" produce bags for pick-up for $4.99 through the Too Good to Go app.
The produce box initiative represents another milestone for the grassroots organization, which has steadily grown its presence throughout St. Petersburg in recent years.
This program continues to lay the groundwork for its eventual brick-and-mortar grocery store in an area known for food insecurity.
"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," Hardison said.
The organization has nearly doubled its membership over the past several years, growing to approximately 195 member-owners as of May. Hardison credits that growth to consistent community outreach and increasing volunteer involvement.
"We have about four events a month now," she said. "More members get more members. They're talking to people, inviting friends and helping us show up in more places throughout the community."
Earlier this year, the co-op 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 will help support outreach, business planning and other early-stage development work as the organization continues working toward opening a permanent grocery store.
The co-op has also established its first administrative office along 22nd Street South, giving members a dedicated space for meetings and community programming after years of relying on borrowed meeting spaces.
While the current location isn't intended to serve as the future grocery store, Hardison said it provides a much-needed home base and another opportunity to engage with the surrounding neighborhood through programming and conversation.
For Hardison, the produce boxes - and future storefront - represent more than just another way to buy groceries.
"We always say we're more than a grocery store," she said. "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."
She said the cooperative's long-term goal is to create a food system that benefits everyone.
"It's not transactional," Hardison said. "It's relational."
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