Why We Exist
🍽 This Isn’t a Food Desert—It’s Food Apartheid.
Black communities on Chicago’s South Side have been denied access to fresh, affordable food for decades. That’s not nature—it’s policy. It’s not scarcity—it’s disinvestment.
Southside Food Co-op is our solution.
✨ A Black-led, community-owned grocery store.
✨ Rooted in cooperative economics, wellness, and resistance.
✨ Powered by us, for us.
"Whoever controls your food controls your life.”
— Dr. Claude Anderson
Membership Snapshot
From 179 to 2,000: Let’s Build It Together.
Metric
Status
🧑🏾🤝🧑🏽 Members
🎯 Goal
💰 Equity
🌿 Benefits
179 strong
2,000
$100 (or $10/month)
Vote, perks, discounts, future returns
Testimonials
“This co-op isn't charity—it’s power. It’s us building what we deserve.”
— Princella Lee, Founding Member
“I’m joining so my grandkids don’t have to rely on fast food to survive.”
— Rev. Harvin, South Shore Elder
We're forming a store where you can discover a world of fresh and locally sourced food at Southside Food Co-op.
We are dedicated to providing our community with the highest quality products while supporting local farmers and producers.
Join us in our mission to promote sustainable and healthy eating.
What's The Mission?
OUR FIRST
300
WILL BE OUR GOLD FOUNDING MEMBER/OWNERS.
MEMBER OWNERS
How can you Help?
Your member investment brings us closer to that goal.
Why Become A Member/Owner?
Most of the South Side of Chicago is considered a designated food desert. In forming SSFC, we will bring healthy, nutritious food to our community. The co-op model is one that not only creates jobs for its members, but it uplifts the whole community rather than a few reaping all of the major profits and benefits.
What are we doing about it?
By coming together as a collective we as a community (member/owners) can bring the full vision of SSFC into a reality. Ujamaa Economics - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
How Does Joining Work?
Purchase a share at $100 - a one-time fee, that’s right there’s no annual recurrences.
Owner Benefits
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As an owner, you’ll have a vote for the Board of Directors. You’ll have a voice.
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Owners are encouraged to get involved, have a talent or specialty that will help us grow, become a board member, etc.
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Owner discounts.
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Our owners will receive exclusive invitation to owner-only events, workshops, and tasting events.
What You’ll Reap As A Member/Owner?
Owner Discounts
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Receive coupons worth $25 upon store opening
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Owner appreciation days
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Shop owner bonus buys
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Pre-order by the case at a discount
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And more.
CONTACT US
433 West 95th Street
Ste# 102 PMB 1004
Chicago, IL 60628
(312) 715-7001
Attn: Tiffany Lewis-Collins
Follow Us
SSFC Organization
Co-Founder and Board Chair:
Co-Chair:
Secretary:
Director:
Darriel S. Anderson
Director:
Bishop Mark Harvin
Director:
Princella Lee
Director:
Director:
Melanie Payne
Director:
Richard Street
Scholarship Director:
Marketing:
Finance Team:
Bishop Mark Harvin
Community
Engagement
Coordinator: