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!

CO-OP PRINCIPLE #3: Economic Participation

In practice, that means every owner has both a stake and a say, and no one’s voice outweighs another’s simply because they invested more. It’s a model built on fairness, shared responsibility, and collective ownership. On this holiday, we’re reminded that democracy expands from our Nation’s core founding principles that a free society depends on everyday people participating, contributing, and shaping their shared future into local practice. When co‑op members contribute equitably and guide the cooperative’s capital together, they’re participating in a form of economic democracy that strengthens Long Beach’s community fabric.

Learn more about the Cooperative Principles HERE.

CELEBRATING OUR NATION & COMMUNITY

Today, Fourth of July, we celebrate America and our belief that people thrive when they have the freedom to shape their own lives and communities. This same principle is at the heart of every member‑owned food cooperative. A co‑op reflects the nation’s founding values of shared governance, mutual responsibility, and local self‑determination, giving everyday people a direct voice in how their food system grows. This Independence Day, we honor the spirit of working together for the common good of all people.

Becoming an Owner-Member of the Long Beach Grocery Co-op, you participate in building something stronger for Long Beach. Together, with the community we can create a sustainable economy, access to a better food system, and so much more. Please enjoy the article below that does a fantastic job of touching on all the points that make a food cooperative an important part of our economy, community, and why we can continue to enjoy our independence and freedom.

Exploring the Role of Food Cooperatives in Sustainability
By Asmaa Alhashimy June 21, 2026 

Imagine a world where every bite of food you enjoy contributes to a healthier planet, stronger communities, and fairer trade practices. This is not a distant dream but a growing reality, thanks to the rise of food cooperatives. Unlike traditional supermarkets driven by profit, these member-owned organizations champion sustainability, ethical sourcing, and local economies.

From urban solidarity grocery stores to rural food co-ops, these initiatives are reshaping the way we think about food, prioritizing people and the planet over profit. As climate concerns and food insecurity grow, could food cooperatives hold the key to a greener, more equitable future?

Food cooperatives promote sustainability by supporting local farmers and reducing food miles, minimizing waste, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and promoting regenerative farming.

Food cooperatives support local economies by sourcing from small artisans, improving food access and affordability, building stronger communities, and empowering consumers.

Click HERE to continue reading the entire article and delve into the transformative role a food cooperative has in creating a sustainable food system. ABOUT the author. Discover Why Food Cooperatives Are Key to Sustainability

Details will be announced soon about our upcoming fundraising event that you won’t want to miss. We need volunteers to make this an epic experience! Are you a local business or product maker? Contact us to inquire about how you can participate to promote your business - joely@longbeachgrocery.coop.

VOLUNTEER MEETING - 2nd Saturdays

All are WELCOME to join us from Noon to 1PM the second Saturday of each month at Long Beach Forward. July meeting is on the 11th.

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 & please do not park in spaces 1 thru 6.

This month we are focusing on task assignments related to our FUNDRAISING EVENT that will be held at The Art Theatre!

Summer is officially here and the BBQ grills are fired up. The Long Beach Grocery Co-op wishes everyone a Happy, and safe, Fourth of July as we celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday!

July is the peak for summer produce with fruits and vegetables reaching their most flavorful and nutrient rich state. So, grab your burgers and hot dogs but remember to load up on cherries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines, figs, grapes, tomatoes, corn, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, cantaloupe, and, of course, Watermelon!

RECIPE: Simple Ice Cream (without a machine)

Ingredients

1 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

 Directions

• Stir together your ice cream mixture and pour it into an 8-10 inch square baking pan(*).

• FIRST FREEZE: Place it in the freezer for 90 minutes. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture, scraping the sides of the pan and breaking up any frozen chunks. Return the pan to the freezer and continue freezing.

• SECOND FREEZE: Check it again after 45 minutes. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture, scraping the sides of the pan well. Use a sturdy whisk to whip the mixture a bit as it begins to freeze. Make sure you're scraping the edges completely every time. Return to the freezer as quickly as possible after whisking the mixture each time.

• ADDITIONAL FREEZING STEPS: Continue freezing the mixture, checking it again after 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture, scraping the sides of the pan well. Use a sturdy whisk to whip the mixture a bit as it begins to freeze. Make sure you're scraping the edges completely every time. Return to the freezer as quickly as possible after whisking the mixture. Repeat this process 2 more times, every 30 minutes. After a couple of hours, it should be thickening to a slushy soft-serve consistency.

• Continue breaking the ice cream up and stirring it for as long as you like. The longer that you whisk the ice cream and continue breaking it up as it freezes, it will create an airier or fluffier final product. Ice cream without a machine typically takes 3-4 hours to freeze to a soft-serve consistency.

 (*) If you have a mixer, like KitchenAid, with a metal bowl and whisk attachment, it may ease the chore of manual whisking.