For over 50 years, the Isla Vista Food Cooperative has been serving the residents of Santa Barbara County with community-focused grocery. The co-op provides affordable healthy food options, connects neighbors through events and education, supports producers in the local food shed, inspires and incubates cooperative models for students, creates good jobs for our local workforce, and allows our community to lead through cooperative governance.
Now the co-op is launching a campaign to meet the current challenges and ensure its stability into future generations.
Changing demographics and increased market competition have slowed sales and put the co-op at serious and immediate risk. The co-op is severely underfunded and needs increased support NOW for the cash flow to maintain its crucial work.
Your immediate donation KEEPS THE DOORS OPEN to the hundreds of community members who rely on the co-op in both Isla Vista and downtown Santa Barbara, as well as paying farmers and producers in our local food shed.
Campaign Goals: To ensure the stability of the cooperative into future generations by immediate stabilization of operations, improvements to better serve customers, and workforce support. The long-term goals of the co-op will be actualized by a funded 10-year plan to enhance local food system support, education and outreach, and the cooperative business model.
Your support in the short term allows the co-op to continue to fulfill its mission of food access, economic sustainability, and community connection. Working together, the community can save the co-op and revitalize it as a community hub that nourishes both people and the planet, fosters inclusivity, and strengthens our local food system.
How You Can Help Right Now:
Shop at the Co-op: Choose us for your groceries—every purchase directly supports our mission. Shop at our Isla Vista or Downtown Market locations, or shop online!
Donate Today: Every dollar matters. Your contributions will help stabilize our cash flow during this critical time. Your donation dollars go directly to support our workers & vendors, to pay for needed repairs and upgrades to keep the co-op running smoothly.
❤️ Donate via GoFundMe
💻 Donate on Our Website
Make a tax deductible donation through our charitable giving portal