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Northside Food Co-op invites public to community meetings on efforts to open grocery store

Northside Food Co-op Rallies Community Support Through Meetings to Launch Long-Awaited Grocery Store

In a bid to address longstanding food access issues in Wilmington's Northside neighborhood, the Northside Food Co-op has announced a series of public community meetings aimed at gathering input and building momentum for the opening of a new cooperative grocery store. The initiative, which has been in the works for several years, represents a grassroots effort to combat food insecurity in an area often described as a food desert, where residents face limited options for fresh, affordable groceries. The co-op's leaders are emphasizing community involvement as key to the project's success, inviting residents, local businesses, and stakeholders to participate in shaping the future store.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for Northside, a historically underserved community in Wilmington, North Carolina. For decades, the neighborhood has grappled with the absence of a full-service grocery store, forcing many residents to travel miles for basic necessities like fresh produce, dairy, and meats. This challenge has been exacerbated by economic disparities, with a significant portion of the population relying on public transportation or facing mobility issues. According to local advocates, the lack of accessible food options contributes to higher rates of diet-related health problems, including obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affecting low-income families and communities of color.

The Northside Food Co-op, a nonprofit organization formed in response to these needs, envisions the new store as more than just a retail space—it's intended to be a community hub that promotes local agriculture, education on nutrition, and economic empowerment. "We're not just building a grocery store; we're building a sustainable model that puts the power back in the hands of the people who live here," said co-op board member Elena Ramirez in a recent interview. Ramirez, a lifelong Northside resident, highlighted how the co-op model allows community members to become owners by purchasing shares, giving them a direct say in operations, product selection, and pricing.

The upcoming community meetings are designed to foster this inclusive approach. The first meeting is scheduled for July 25, 2025, at the Northside Community Center on Nixon Street, starting at 6 p.m. This session will focus on brainstorming ideas for the store's layout, inventory, and services. Attendees can expect interactive workshops where they can voice preferences—such as stocking culturally relevant foods, offering affordable organic options, or incorporating a deli section with prepared meals for busy families. A second meeting will follow on August 8, 2025, at the same location, delving into funding strategies and volunteer opportunities. Organizers plan to discuss potential grants, crowdfunding campaigns, and partnerships with local farms to ensure the store sources products sustainably.

A third gathering, set for August 22, 2025, will shift to the Wilmington Public Library's North Branch, providing a larger venue to accommodate growing interest. This meeting will include presentations from experts on cooperative business models, drawing lessons from successful co-ops like the Weaver Street Market in nearby Carrboro or the Mandela Grocery Cooperative in Oakland, California. Participants will have the chance to form working groups focused on specific aspects, such as marketing, site selection, or youth engagement programs. Childcare and light refreshments will be provided at all events to encourage broad participation, reflecting the co-op's commitment to accessibility.

The push for a Northside grocery store isn't new. Efforts date back to at least 2018, when community leaders first identified the neighborhood's food access gaps through surveys and town halls. A 2020 study by the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Healthy Communities underscored the urgency, revealing that over 40% of Northside households experienced food insecurity, compared to the citywide average of 25%. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted these vulnerabilities, as supply chain disruptions and economic hardships left many residents struggling to afford or obtain groceries.

In response, the Northside Food Co-op was officially incorporated in 2022, with initial funding from grants by the New Hanover County Health Department and private donations. Progress has been steady but challenging. Site selection has proven difficult, with potential locations on North 4th Street or near the MLK Center being evaluated for their proximity to residential areas and public transit. Zoning regulations, construction costs, and competition from larger chains like Walmart or Aldi have posed hurdles. However, co-op organizers remain optimistic, pointing to a growing membership base that now exceeds 500 individuals.

Community voices are central to the narrative. Longtime resident Marcus Johnson, a retired teacher, shared his experiences at a preliminary gathering: "I've watched kids in this neighborhood grow up on junk food because that's all that's available nearby. A co-op store could change that—teach them about healthy eating, maybe even offer cooking classes." Similarly, local entrepreneur Sofia Patel, who runs a small bakery, sees the store as an opportunity to expand her business by supplying fresh baked goods. "It's about keeping money in the community and supporting each other," she noted.

Beyond immediate food access, the project aligns with broader goals of revitalization in Northside. The neighborhood, once a thriving hub for African American businesses during the mid-20th century, has faced disinvestment and gentrification pressures in recent years. Advocates argue that a community-owned grocery could anchor economic development, create jobs (with estimates of 20-30 positions upon opening), and foster social cohesion. Partnerships with organizations like the Cape Fear Food Council and the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization are helping to integrate the store into larger plans for sustainable transportation and urban farming initiatives.

Funding remains a pivotal focus of the meetings. The co-op aims to raise $2 million through a mix of member investments, loans from community development financial institutions, and state grants targeted at food equity programs. A capital campaign launched earlier this year has already secured $500,000, including a significant pledge from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Organizers are encouraging attendees to become founding members by investing as little as $100, which grants voting rights and dividends based on store profits.

Challenges aside, the enthusiasm is palpable. "This is our chance to take control of our food system," Ramirez emphasized. "By coming together at these meetings, we're not just planning a store—we're investing in the health and future of Northside." The co-op has also leveraged social media and local partnerships to spread the word, with flyers distributed at churches, schools, and community events. Virtual options will be available for those unable to attend in person, ensuring wider reach.

As Wilmington continues to grow, with population increases straining resources in underserved areas, the Northside Food Co-op's efforts stand as a model for community-driven solutions. If successful, the store could open its doors as early as late 2026, providing not only groceries but a beacon of hope for equitable development. Residents interested in getting involved are urged to visit the co-op's website or contact organizers directly. With community meetings on the horizon, the path forward promises collaboration, innovation, and a renewed sense of empowerment for Northside.

This initiative underscores a larger national conversation about food justice, where cooperatives are emerging as viable alternatives to corporate dominance in the grocery sector. In regions like the Southeast, where rural and urban food deserts persist, projects like this could inspire similar efforts, proving that local action can yield tangible results. As the meetings unfold, the story of Northside's grocery store will likely evolve, reflecting the collective will of a community determined to nourish itself on its own terms.

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Read the Full WECT Article at:
[ https://www.wect.com/2025/07/18/northside-food-co-op-invites-public-community-meetings-efforts-open-grocery-store/ ]