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!

Principle #1 - Voluntary and Open Membership

OWNER MIXER HIGHLIGHTS - ANNUAL REPORT

Our Owner Mixer was held on August 20th at Long Beach Beer Lab. At this gathering we released the Annual Report and highlighted some of the key sections of the report. Click HERE or the Report Image to view your copy.

Additionally, we had the pleasure of introducing Cameron Hildreth, owner of Hilco and an Owner of LBGCo-op. Hilco is the developer of the project that will be the future site of our store at 400 E. Anaheim. Cameron, who is also a resident of Cambodia Town, stated “I’m an owner-member first, a developer second”, and provided a first hand update on the progress of the project. Notably, it appears to be on target for end of this year to receive entitlement letters from the City of Long Beach to move forward with a green lit project.

LBGCO-OP SPONSORS “908 DAY”!

EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS COMING IN OCTOBER

🌱Help Us Build What We Believe In – Long Beach Grocery Co-op isn’t just an idea—it’s a movement. And to get this cooperative store from vision to reality, we need passionate, capable community members to serve on our “Working Board”.

🛠️ What is the Working Board? It’s not a ceremonial position and it isn’t just planning—it’s ACTION. The Working Board is for people ready to roll-up-your-sleeves, spreadsheets-and-hardhats kind of commitment. It is hands-on work that gets our store built, launched, and ready to serve—from securing funding like grant writing and fundraising, participating in community outreach, educating, data entry, phone calling, and more. It requires a few hours a week to commit to something meaningful? Is this you?

👣 If you’ve ever wanted to shape the future of ethical, community-owned grocery shopping, now’s your moment. We’re looking for people with energy, follow-through, and a cooperative spirit. Whether your strengths lie in business planning, events & fundraisers, community outreach, handling miscellaneous tasks, or just relentless optimism—we need you.

⚡️ Why step up?

• You’ll play a crucial role in opening a store that supports local farmers, ethical sourcing, and food justice.

• You'll connect with like-minded changemakers who believe in cooperation over competition.

• You’ll be part of something radically local, radically impactful, and radically LONG BEACH!

Ready to make it real? Let’s talk. Reach out to Sheila Anderzunas at sheila@longbeachgrocery.coop and let us know why you're interested. You will be provided with an application packet and added to the ballot.

OWNER SPOTLIGHT:

VOLUNTEERS - Call to Action

We have the following dates & times for single events where we need volunteers to help at the information table:

• Monday, September 8th - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Thursday, September 11th - 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, September 27th - 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Continuing need for tabling volunteers at the following Farmers Markets: choose a market and a week you can serve (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th).

• Thursdays: 8am to Noon - 4th Street (Cherry & 4th Street)

• Thursdays: 3pm to 7pm - Bixby Knolls (46th Street & Atlantic)

• Fridays: 10am to 2pm - Downtown Long Beach 300 N. Promenade

• Sundays: 9am to 2pm - Alamitos Bay Marina (205 N. Marina Dr.)

Volunteer training will be provided along with the supplies and items you will need to be successful.

Email dodie@longbeachgrocery.coop to sign up for a shift, or click the link below. Generating awareness and educating the community on the benefits of becoming an owner is crucial for our store to reach next level goals.

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

Great Support from Congressman Robert Garcia at the Alamitos Bay Farmers Market! And, we did our first run at the Bixby Knolls Farmers Market where new volunteer Jorge Vasquez signed up a brand new owner! Progress in creating awareness continues with our presence at the 4th/Cherry Farmers Market.

September is a delicious crossroads between summer’s bounty and autumn’s cozy harvest. If you’re planning a Fall kickstart event or just want to cook with the seasons, it’s the perfect time to blend. Here’s what stands out for this month.

🍎 Fruits:  Apples, Pears, Plums & Figs, Grapes, Late-season berries.

🥦 Veggies:  Broccoli & Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Carrots, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Corn, Zucchini & Squash.

RECIPE: Easy Steamed Vegetables with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans—your choice)

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam the veggies**:

• Add 1 inch of water to a pot and place a steamer basket inside.

• Bring water to a boil.

• Add vegetables to a basket, cover, and reduce heat to medium.

• Steam for 4–5 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Add the Flavor:

• In a small pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 sec.)

• Stir in lemon pepper, then drizzle over the steamed vegetables.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**You can also microwave the veggies with a splash of water for 3–4 minutes if you're short on time.

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