With the recent closing of Save-A-Lot in St. Pete diminishing fresh grocery options for a large swath of South St. Pete, a local group is working to create a permanent and affordable option for the community. One Community Grocery Co-op is spearheading a project to create a community-owned grocery store that is driven by community needs instead of investor profits.
“Sunrise represents new life and new opportunity,” said Erica Hardison, founder of One Community Grocery Co-op (OCGC). “The Save-A-Lot closing represents the sunset and an ending for the community. We chose sunrise to show that OCGC is coming to bring light, to be that new voice.”
The press conference, held at sunrise near the former grocery store site, marked a turning point for South St. Pete residents who have long faced challenges accessing fresh, affordable food. The closure of the neighborhood’s Save-A-Lot left nearby residents, especially those without transportation, without a reliable grocery option…