Help Bring Fresh, Healthy Food Access to Our Community
Together, we’re building access to fresh, affordable food—right here at home.
River Communities Grocery Coop
The River Communities Coalition is working with community partners to improve access to fresh, affordable food and address food insecurity in Needles and surrounding river communities.
As part of this effort, RCC is exploring the development of a community-owned grocery cooperative through market research, planning, and community engagement—helping lay the foundation for a long-term, community-driven solution.
What is a Coop
A grocery cooperative is a store owned by the community it serves.
Instead of profits going to a large corporation, they stay local—helping improve food access, support jobs, and strengthen our economy.
Community members can choose to become owners, giving them a voice in how the store grows and operates.
You don’t have to be a member to shop—this store is for everyone.
Why Needles Needs a Grocery Cooperative
- limited grocery access
- food affordability
- economic opportunity
- keeping food dollars in the community
How the Project Began
The concept for the cooperative was first brought forward through discussions with Teamsters Local 1932, who recognized the importance of improving food access in the Needles area. The River Communities Coalition was asked to serve as the local organizing partner to help guide the project through community engagement and development work on the ground.
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Phase 1 focuses on establishing the organizational and financial foundation needed to launch the cooperative. The River Communities Coalition is currently working to raise approximately $20,000–$23,000 to support the initial development phase.
Fundraising to support early development work:
- Legal incorporation and cooperative structure development
- Professional market feasibility analysis
- Community outreach and partnership building
- Identifying potential store locations
As the cooperative moves beyond Phase 1, the long-term vision and community involvement will play an essential role in bringing the project to life.
Future Vision
The River Communities Grocery Cooperative is envisioned as a locally owned grocery store that improves food access, keeps more food dollars in the local economy, and creates jobs within the community.
The cooperative model allows community members to participate in ownership and decision-making while strengthening the region’s economic resilience.
As the project develops through future phases, the goal is to establish a full-service grocery store that reflects the needs and priorities of the River Communities.
How the Community Can Help
Community support is essential to making the cooperative a reality. Residents, local businesses, and organizations can help move the project forward in several ways.
- Volunteer with outreach and organizing efforts
- Help spread awareness about the project
- Support fundraising for Phase 1 development
- Attend meetings and community events
Understanding Phase 1: The Market Study
Length: Approximately 1 hour
This video provides an in-depth look at how the market study process works and why it is a critical step in bringing a grocery store to our community.
Help Us Get there
We’re currently raising funds to improve access to fresh, affordable food in our community.
These funds support research, planning, and community-driven solutions that address food insecurity and improve local food access.
Help us reach our phase 1 goal of $20,000 to support this work
Phase 1 Fundraising Progress
Phase 1 focuses on a professional market feasibility study and the legal formation.
Goal: $20,000
Raised: $1,820
Remaining: $18,180
Every contribution stays local and helps expand access to healthy, affordable food right here in our community.
As part of this effort, RCC is exploring a community-supported grocery store through market research, early-stage planning, and community input.
Ways to Support This Project
There are several ways to support this project. Every contribution helps us move closer to bringing a grocery store back to our community.
Donate Online
We’re working to bring a grocery store back to our community—and we can’t do it without your support.
Make a quick, secure donation online and help move this project forward today.
Give Through Zelle
You can also support this project through Zelle.
Zelle To: [email protected]
Please include Grocery Project in the memo.
Give by Check
Checks can be made payable to:
River Communities Coalition
Memo: Grocery Project
Mail to or Deliver to: 2237 Casa Loma St, Needles CA 92363
Starting this week you may see donation jars around town…