Imperial Beach, California, December 20, 2025
The SunCoast Market Co-Op in Imperial Beach has appointed a new manager to improve community food access. With over 25 years of retail experience, the new leadership aims to transform the co-op into a full-service grocery store, addressing the city’s food desert conditions. Supported by over 1,500 community members, the co-op plans to open its doors in 2025, providing a viable alternative to the limited grocery options currently available.
Imperial Beach, California – New Management at SunCoast Market Co-Op Enhances Community Food Access
Imperial Beach, California – The SunCoast Market Co-Op, a community-driven grocery store project, has appointed a new manager with over 25 years of experience in retail and cooperative business management. This strategic move aims to address the longstanding issue of limited access to healthy food options in Imperial Beach, a city often classified as a food desert due to its scarcity of full-service grocery stores.
Addressing Community Needs
Imperial Beach, covering 4.4 square miles with a population of approximately 27,000, has faced challenges in accessing quality grocery stores. The community has historically relied on distant supermarkets, leading to increased time and transportation costs. The establishment of the SunCoast Market Co-Op seeks to provide a locally owned, full-service grocery store that caters to the diverse needs of the community, including its significant Hispanic population.
Leadership with Proven Expertise
The new manager’s extensive background in retail and cooperative business operations is expected to be instrumental in the successful launch and sustainability of the co-op. Their experience aligns with the competencies outlined for effective co-op management, including retail grocery experience, people management, and a track record of leading teams through growth and change. This expertise is crucial for navigating the complexities of establishing a new cooperative in a competitive market.
Community Engagement and Support
The SunCoast Market Co-Op has garnered support from over 1,500 community members who have invested in the project, reflecting a strong desire for improved food access. The co-op’s board of directors, elected from these owner-members, collaborates closely with national consultants and advocacy groups to ensure the store meets the community’s needs. The co-op is actively involved in outreach efforts, including participation in local task forces focused on small business preservation and support for high-risk populations, highlighting its commitment to community engagement and development.
Looking Ahead
With the appointment of a seasoned manager and continued community support, the SunCoast Market Co-Op is poised to make a significant impact on food accessibility in Imperial Beach. The co-op plans to open its doors in 2025, offering a sustainable and community-focused alternative to traditional grocery stores, and setting a precedent for other communities seeking to improve local food access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SunCoast Market Co-Op?
The SunCoast Market Co-Op is a community-driven grocery store project in Imperial Beach, California, aimed at providing a locally owned, full-service grocery store to address the area’s limited access to healthy food options.
Who is the new manager of the SunCoast Market Co-Op?
The new manager brings over 25 years of experience in retail and cooperative business management, with a background in retail grocery experience, people management, and leading teams through growth and change.
When is the SunCoast Market Co-Op expected to open?
The co-op plans to open its doors in 2025, offering a sustainable and community-focused alternative to traditional grocery stores in Imperial Beach.
How many community members have invested in the SunCoast Market Co-Op?
Over 1,500 community members have invested in the project, reflecting a strong desire for improved food access in Imperial Beach.
What is the significance of the SunCoast Market Co-Op for Imperial Beach?
The co-op aims to address the longstanding issue of limited access to healthy food options in Imperial Beach, a city often classified as a food desert due to its scarcity of full-service grocery stores.
Key Features of the SunCoast Market Co-Op
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Ownership | Over 1,500 local residents have invested in the co-op, ensuring it serves the community’s needs. |
| Experienced Leadership | The new manager brings over 25 years of experience in retail and cooperative business management. |
| Addressing Food Insecurity | The co-op aims to provide a full-service grocery store in Imperial Beach, a city often classified as a food desert. |
| Community Engagement | The co-op is actively involved in local task forces focused on small business preservation and support for high-risk populations. |
| Opening Plans | The co-op plans to open its doors in 2025, offering a sustainable and community-focused alternative to traditional grocery stores. |
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