How Co-ops Differ from Traditional Grocery Stores?

In addition to being member-owned and operated, food co-ops do a few other things differently from a traditional grocery store.

Co-ops Buy Local: Co-ops prioritize investing in the community and often source as much produce, bulk foods, and packaged goods from local farmers and vendors as possible.

Co-ops Diversify: And while the typical supermarket seeks to streamline its supply chain by relying on as few vendors as possible (averaging just 30 per store), co-ops favor variety and resilience; the average co-op orders from around 300 different vendors. You enjoy being able to find items that you won’t see anywhere else.

Product Standards at a Co-op Grocery: A typical focus is on healthy, natural, and whole foods, which may include organic, fair trade, and sustainably produced food. Some co-ops may go so far as to only carry products that meet those criteria, giving you peace of mind that your dollars are contributing to the world you want — no research or label reading necessarily required.

Community Participation: Co-ops act as key community hubs. They might offer or sponsor low-cost or free space for community events and classes. Co-ops may also support local nonprofits through donations, publicity, and programs in which shoppers can choose to round their purchase up to the nearest dollar.

John Grossi, Publisher of Long Beach Beach 908 Magazine

John started the LB908 Magazine in 2011, as a nineteen-year-old Long Beach Wilson grad.  He coined the name "908" for the city of Long Beach and began promoting the people and places that he believed make "Life Great in the 908!"

Growing up in Long Beach, John always felt passionate about supporting small businesses and he saw his little "magazine project" as the perfect way to both help small businesses tell their story to the community AND for him to interview lots of small business owners so he could get a feel for "what small business he would start one day."

A few years later as a senior at Long Beach State, it dawned upon John that he didn't need to keep thinking about "what small business he could start," he had already started one and it fit him perfectly.  His magazine WAS a small business with a core mission to HELP OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES.

Since graduating college in 2014, John has made it his life's mission to promote the people, places, teams, events, and businesses that make "Life Great in the 908" through his magazine.  While Long Beach has many appealing traits, he believes that the authenticity, diversity, and culture of the city comes from the thousands of small businesses and organizations that leave their unique mark on the city.  His goal is to be a platform and voice that continues to promote others who are following their dream.

When he heard about Long Beach Grocery Co-op it was clear that the goals and missions of this organization greatly aligned with his own. He was eager to be Owner, but upon hearing that each Owner had a "number" he only had one request... he wanted to be "member number 908."  Granted! John looks forward to making Long Beach Grocery Co-op one of the amazing small organizations that his magazine can help uplift!

Check out LB908

Co-op Principle #3 - Member Economic Participation

The guac has spoken! 🥑 In a smash hit performance, Avocado emerged as the top seed and took home the trophy in the Co-op Madness brackets. It proved to be un-'beet'-able, leaving its competition in the pits! Congratulations to the creamy champion that's truly on a roll—or should we say, toast? Here’s to the reigning green king of the co-op scene! Go, team Avocado! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who participated.  

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @longbeachgrocerycoop for updates, news and more fun stuff. 

WE NEED YOU!

The Long Beach Grocery Co-op is a volunteer-led organization and we are always in need of folks to assist in our quest to move toward the future!

Opportunities for LBGCo-op are starting to pop up and we will be staffing up. Near the end of April we will be hosting a volunteer orientation meeting. We’re especially looking for people to help with the following:

• Fundraising

• Community Outreach

• Marketing

• Social Media

• Tabling at Local Events.

Do you have any skills in those areas, or other areas you think might be useful? The great news is that you’re already a Co-op owner, so you’re really working in your own interest, and we need all hands on deck! Send us the form below, and we’ll be in touch with more detail on the volunteer meeting!

https://www.longbeachgrocery.coop/volunteer-for-lbgc

Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming, bees are buzzin’, and birds are chirping. May 4th at 3:00 p.m. The Garage Theatre is graciously hosting the Owners of the Long Beach Grocery Co-op for an afternoon meet and greet with light refreshments. Stop by to check out the theater and get to know other owners. Bring your questions and ideas, and sign up for a volunteer opportunity.

Food Holidays - How Many Can You Celebrate?

• April 2nd: Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

• April 3rd: Chocolate Mousse Day and Fish Fingers and Custard Day

• April 4th: Vitamin C Day and Carrot Day

• April 5th: Caramel Day and Deep Dish Pizza Day

• April 6th: New Beer's Eve and Caramel Popcorn Day

• April 7th: Beer Day and World Health Day

• April 8th: National Empanada Day

• April 11th: National Cheese Fondue Day

• April 25th: National Zucchini Bread Day

• April 27th: National Prime Rib Day