What began as a response to a lack of grocery stores in Imperial Beach, has evolved into a community-driven initiative: SunCoast Market Co-Op, a locally owned and operated grocery store set to open this summer.
Unlike traditional supermarkets, SunCoast is built by and for the residents of Imperial Beach and surrounding areas.
“All co-ops start the same way — community members coming together to solve a need,” said Doug Zilm, SunCoast’s general manager.
This need, in Imperial Beach’s case, was access to fresh and healthy food.
For years, residents have faced the reality of living in a food desert, where fast food and corner stores far outnumber full-service grocery options, Zilm said. The arrival of SunCoast aims to change that dynamic, offering an accessible, locally sourced and sustainable alternative.
SunCoast will function as a full-service grocery store with prepared foods, including soups, salads and sandwiches.
It has also partnered with Foodshed, a cooperative of local farmers, to supply fresh produce, ensuring that much of what’s stocked is grown in San Diego County.
Beyond produce, Zilm said the co-op is committed to supporting at least 150 local vendors and food producers, from Imperial Beach’s La Flamme Française to Mooski Snacks.
“We listen to the community in everything we do,” Zilm said. “Whether it’s the products we carry, the vendors we work with or the staffing decisions we make, we want to reflect the people who live here.”
The co-op currently boasts nearly 1,250 owners. California residents can become co-op owners with a one-time $200 payment.
The path to opening has not been without its hurdles. Raising nearly $4 million for the project required a mix of equity from owners, donations and grants.
Yet, through fundraising and community backing — including support from the City of Imperial Beach and county supervisors — SunCoast is now in its final stages of construction. Concrete floors are being poured, electrical upgrades installed and the final distributor contracts are being signed.
The store, set to open this summer, will feature an all-electric kitchen, funded by a grant from San Diego Community Power. It will also offer bulk foods and incorporate upcycled food products, and the store’s compostable food scraps will be used as soil for the City of Imperial Beach’s new community garden.
Zilm said the co-op plans to host cooking classes and nutrition education sessions, equipping residents with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their food.
“Our goal is to outgrow our spot,” Zilm said. “We want to inspire the community …to shop with us and be an owner because they like what we’re doing.”
To learn more about SunCoast, donate or become an owner, visit suncoastmarket.coop.
