South Philly Food Co-op finally opens after a decade of development

After 10 years of organizing and fundraising, South Philly Food Co-op is finally open.

The community-owned, full-service grocery store officially opened its doors right before Christmas, offering the neighborhood fresh, local and sustainable groceries.

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The store currently offers products from national brands and more than 20 local and regional vendors, with plans to add even more Philly-area suppliers in the coming months.

The grocery store features seasonal, organic produce from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, pasture-raised meats from Stryker Farm, fresh fish from family-owned Samuels Seafood Co. and local, dairy-farmed cheeses from Third Wheel Cheese Company, among its mix of local products.

For pantry staples, the store has a buy-in-bulk section with items like beans, flour, granola, nuts and more.

The 3,300-square-foot store is located at 2031 S. Juniper St. and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Due to COVID-19, the store is currently limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside at one time to 12 people. Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. is reserved for at-risk shoppers only.

South Philly Co-op has an online store, too, offering local delivery through a partnership with Bloc Delivery. A curbside pickup program will begin soon.

Although South Philly Food Co-op is member-based, everyone is welcome to shop. Membership comes with exclusive perks such as member sales, discount days and exclusive access to the Shop South Philly program.