Access to fresh foods in San Francisco’s Sunnydale neighborhood, one of the city’s lowest income and underserved communities, has historically been limited. Now, a collaborative effort aims to alleviate this gap by bringing a nonprofit grocery store to the neighborhood.
Local food education nonprofit 18 Reasons has teamed up with San Francisco grocery chain Bi-Rite and community foundation Crankstart to open Sunnydale Market in 2027. (The opening was first reported by the San Francisco Standard.) The 2,800-square-foot-market at 1515 Sunnydale Ave. will carry fresh produce, pantry staples and culturally appropriate foods, reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse makeup, which includes Black, Asian and Latino groups. Food will be sold at wholesale costs — an average 35% to 45% below typical grocery prices — according to an announcement, and the market will accept SNAP and WIC vouchers. Sunnydale Market will not sell alcohol, tobacco or ultra-processed foods.
Bi-Rite will manage the store’s inventory and daily operations. Sarah Nelson, executive director of 18 Reasons, said her group will advise on the store’s design and product selection, as well as host nutrition and cooking classes. Crankstart has made a long-term commitment to cover wages, rent and utilities, which will allow the store to sell groceries at wholesale prices. Other organizations will also provide funding, including the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and the Stupski Foundation, a Bay Area health- and food-focused philanthropic group…