Long Beach Grocery Co-op is committed to supporting ALL of Long Beach by promoting local food sources through farmers and makers; and building a strong community through engagement, education, and collaboration.

It will always be our priority to strengthen connection by reiterating our mission statement to the whole community. We are dedicated to sharing our vision and we’re eager to make it happen!

7 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Cooperative Principles are the guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. Each month we will explore and dive deeper into each principle.

Learn more about the Cooperative Principles HERE.

UPDATES: LBGCo-op Progress

HELLO 2026! As we step forward into the New Year with a New Board and New Opportunities, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey we have made thus far. Last year, 2025, showed significant progress in the wake of the pandemic as we picked ourselves up and out of the challenges from the shutdown that put our mission on hold for four years. With renewed energy and focus we grew our Owners to 972, published a 10-year review with the Annual Report, refreshed the Seaside Sprout Newsletter, assembled a core group of fantastic volunteers, tabled at several events throughout Long Beach, sponsored Long Beach 908 Day, attracted highly skilled and talented board member candidates, gained support from the City and held very productive meetings, updated the business and marketing plans, and submitted an offer to occupy the space at 211 Cherry Ave that was vacated by Rite-Aid. Although we do not yet have an update on this property, we are very hopeful to secure the space. We are also continuing to identify other suitable locations while we wait for further progress on the location at 400 E. Anaheim. That site is brand new construction and has not solidified a start date but is going before the planning department later this month. Your LBGCo-op Board and Owner-volunteers have been very busy bees rebuilding the buzz about your grocery cooperative. We greatly appreciate and give huge thanks to the Marketing and Business plan team of Jason Civalleri, Dylan Schnurman, Joely Gomez, Azura Marr, John Newhouse, and Karl Richter.

We still have a lot of work to do and many hurdles to get over in 2026. The biggest, by far, is the need for owner investment. If we are to reach a goal of getting the first store open within the next 18-24 months, it will take the passion of Long Beach and its many communities to make this happen. Our next level goal will be an aggressive and do-able one of reaching 5,000 owners.

LBGCo-op is a start-up community-owned and operated grocery store that is committed to providing Long Beach with access to affordable, high-quality, wholesome foods and products for healthy living. Our store will source from local producers, artisans and fair-trade businesses, educating our community on the benefits of healthy eating, conscious consumption and community engagement, thus creating a sustainable economic foundation for everyone. We will become engrained in the fabric of the community by providing neighborhood gathering space that is reflective of the values and character of Long Beach.

If you are not an owner yet, consider making that investment today. If you are already an owner, THANK YOU, and consider a co-op share the next time you are gifting to someone.

PURCHASE AN OWNER SHARE & GIFT AN OWNER SHARE

MEET YOUR LBGC BOARD CANDIDATES

Board Election ballots are being prepared for release in January. Meet the candidates that will represent our owners and drive our mission forward. Each has submitted a package detailing their motivation to join the board with so much more information than what is described below. Their backgrounds, experience, and passion are welcome and appreciated. This is just a snippet to give you a feel for these incredible individuals.

OWNER SPOTLIGHT: (this could be your business)

IN THE COMMUNITY

Helping communities to celebrate the holidays, LBGCo-op Owners volunteered at the LB908 Holiday Fair and the Winter in Wilmore Holiday Market. Thank you Joely Gomez, Noelle Chaco, Erin Ursprung, Dodie Reddington, Sheila Anderzunas, Lance Ward, Xanni Rose, Sylvie Rose, and Azura Marr for your time working these events. We were able to support two communities while also providing information about the grocery co-op to a big audience that generated a lot of enthusiasm plus some additions to our owner roster.

VOLUNTEERS - 2nd Saturdays

All are WELCOME to join us from Noon to 1PM the second Saturday of each month at Long Beach Forward. January meeting is on the 10th.

We have secured meeting space for our team to meet so we can fill our calendar with amazing events and opportunities for LBGCo-op to build awareness and support our community.

Long Beach Forward is located at:
2217 E 6th St, Long Beach, CA 90814, USA
Parking is available at the corner of Dawson and 7th Street - please be sure to request a free parking pass and do not park in spaces 1 thru 6.

Let’s plan our activities and staffing for:

• Working the info table at farmers markets

• Neighborhood canvassing to inform the community about the Co-op

• Performing a presentation at Neighborhood Association meetings

• Identifying and coordinating participation in community events

• Grant writing

• Marketing, Social Media, Newsletter writing

• Data Entry, Record Keeping, Research, Organizing

Feeling a bit guilty for eating an abundance of rich holiday dishes? Time to ring in the New Year and celebrate these food holidays that are good for you:

January 1 Apple Gifting Day
January 6 National Bean Day
January 13 National Gluten-Free Day
January 14 National Kombucha Day
January 15 National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day
January 16 National Quinoa Day
January 21 National Granola Bar Day
January 26 National Green Juice Day
January 31 National Brussels Sprouts Day

If these don’t sound appealing, no worries, try out the recipe below that also takes advantage of January 20th which is National Cheese Lover’s Day. Feel free to treat yourself on January 28th for National Blueberry Pancake Day!

RECIPE: Brussels Sprout & Quinoa Gratin

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

Serves: 4-6 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced

• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (to be cooked)

• 2 cups water or broth

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 tsp sea salt (divided) 

Instructions:

1. Prepare Oven & Sprouts: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large cast-iron skillet or casserole dish.

2. Roast Sprouts: Toss sliced Brussels sprouts and shallots with olive oil and ½ tsp salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until lightly browned.

3. Cook Quinoa: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of water and ½ tsp salt to a boil with the quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Let it cool slightly.

4. Mix Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the roasted sprouts, cooked quinoa, beaten eggs, and 1 cup of the cheese.

5. Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

6. Finish: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Serve warm. 

Yummy Variations

• Add Protein: Add 1 cup of chopped cooked turkey or chicken for a more filling meal.

• Cheese Substitutes: Gruyère, Fontina, or Pecorino Romano can be used for a more complex flavor.

• Crunch Factor: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for extra texture.

• Creamy Version: Mix in 3-4 oz of cream cheese for a richer texture.