The grand opening of SunCoast Market Co-op—The Little Store That Could

Imperial Beach residents are celebrating the launch of their long-awaited food co-op store, SunCoast Market, as the huge vision and effort by the city and co-op volunteers has been brought to fruition. It was aided by $4.1 million in community donations and grants over more than 10 years. In the first four hours that it was open, 700 people were counted entering the store to shop. 

Imperial Beach was previously known as a food desert for people of low income or low access to nutritious produce, according to board members, after the closure of its only grocery store in 2015. This can increase a population’s risk of diabetes, excess weight, and cardiovascular disease. Now, IB residents can shop for fresh local produce, hot food and salad bars, bulk bins, wellness products, and grab-and-go lunches under surfboards hanging from the ceiling as part of the coastal decor of this bright new location. 

On opening day, a DJ spun tunes while surrounded by bouquets of balloons, dignitaries offered congratulations, and a frosted cake said it all: “The little store that could.” Board members said they were “elated” and “emotional” about the opening. “It’s a relief that we were able to fulfill everyone’s vision,” said Shirley Soth. “We’re really proud. It’s an amazing asset. Co-ops make an impact on local economies, the environment, and communities.” 

SunCoast now joins two other food retailers in the county with similar cooperative business ethos: Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-op and City Heights Foodshed.

What exactly is a Food Co-op?

Food co-ops are co-owned by community members, and anyone can shop there. Co-ops can be organized in a variety of ways to benefit producers, workers, and the public customers who receive the products, whether they are purchasing or receiving via a food bank or school. 

What are the benefits?

Compared to most major retail grocery chains, produce at these local co-ops is typically in season, locally produced, grown organically, and harvested at peak freshness. Even more than that, the sense of community and purpose is palpable; members are not only breaking barriers together, they are “breaking bread” together too. This is not just about food; it is about social justice, culture, and the desire for a healthy, sustainable future to pass on to future generations.

It takes commitment

A look at Sun Coast’s launch timeline indicates the time and commitment needed to launch a co-op store. The journey began in 2015, when locals were afraid of living without a grocery store, because no other business showed interest in taking the place of the one that closed. Concerned residents began brainstorming ideas for a store that was for the community and by the community. They were aided through this stage by OB People’s Food Co-Op and a nonprofit called Food Co-Op Initiative. By 2017, community members were investing in the SunCoast project. In 2020, during the pandemic, locals helped organize a drive-thru pick-up of farmers’ market boxes. Then, as fundraising continued and membership grew, a monthly SunCoast Farmers’ Market and cooking classes were launched. A store location was chosen, a general manager hired, and the group joined National Co-Op Grocers, a business services cooperative that helps leverage purchasing power. 

Foodshed City Heights   

» foodshedcooperative.com/city-heights-food-farmacy 

4089 Fairmount Ave.

Foodshed partners with 60 farms in San Diego and Riverside counties. They focus on working with small farms and prioritize fair payment for producers and workers. Their farmers have earned up to 78 cents of every retail dollar spent on the produce, according to Casey Ng, Foodshed’s new market lead, whereas farmers who supply major grocery chains were earning only 14.9 cents of each retail sales dollar in 2022, according to a USDA Economic Research Report, and that figure was declining as the report was issued. Foodshed sells the produce on a sliding scale at their market on the corner of Fairmount and Orange, and they provide CSA-style farm boxes to about 130 subscribers. All the fruit and vegetables are grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They also facilitate training and education for teachers and cafeteria workers at local schools, a benefit to the community that has become increasingly important since the $1 billion cutback in USDA funding for distributions of fresh fruit and vegetables to food banks and schools in 2025. Foodshed also has a Farmacy project, whose mission is to educate people about the benefits of food as “medicine.” 

Ocean Beach People’s Food Co-Op

» obpeoplesfood.coop

4765 Voltaire St.

OB People’s Food Co-Op began with a small group in 1971, and shopping at this vegetarian store is still a blast from the past. You can visit for a workshop or live music in their second-floor cafe, all while stocking up on produce, herbs, wellness supplies, gifts, and groceries in an earthy, easy-going environment. People’s, as it’s simply known, is as much a destination as it is a shopping experience. It’s a vibe to leave your cell phone on silent, grab yourself a People’s muffin (or one of their famous cookies), and wander a few blocks to the beach to let the salty air waft through your hair. Grab a book at one of those Little Free Libraries in the neighborhood, and enjoy the great people-watching and slower pace of OB life, on weekdays anyway. And, that’s medicine, too. No wonder this place has a membership of over 12,000 households. People’s is giving back to their community in so many ways that it would take too long to list them here, so please check the website for more information.