Outreach Spotlight: Northside Food Co-Op

This month's Spotlight is dedicated to Northside Food Co-op. In July, St. James donated $5,000 to Northside, below is a little background on the organization, and a "Thank you" letter from Cierra Washington, the Project Manager of Northside.

The Northside Food Cooperative is a community-owned cooperative grocery store planned for the Northside of downtown Wilmington that will ensure food security and end the food desert, generate resilience in our neighborhoods, and create a self-sustaining business model that will enhance the local economy through equity and ownership.

There are currently 8 identified food desserts in Wilmington, NC. A food desert occurs in an urban area where affordable, fresh food is unable to be purchased due to location and resources. Northside Food Co-op is hoping to end the food desert that impacts people who live in the Northside neighborhood in downtown Wilmington.

In her letter, Cierra Washington informs St. James members on how our contribution will be used, and other ways we can help build community with Northside Food Co-op. Please contact Alex Wnek at [email protected] or David Joyner at [email protected] if you have more questions or if you have any interest in Cierra's suggestions on how to get involved!

Dear Vestry and Members of St. James Parish,

We extend heartfelt thanks for your generous $5,000 donation to the Northside Food Cooperative. Your support will enable us to continue our bimonthly community dinners, weekly farmers market, and vital outreach efforts. We are excited to begin a meaningful partnership and work together to bring food security to our community.

We invite you to join us at Frankie's Outdoor Market on Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, at 1019 Princess St. Additionally, we'd love to share a meal with you at our community dinners held on the second and fourth Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm at 901 Fanning St. If you're interested in further supporting us, our immediate needs include reusable plates, cleaning supplies, dish rags for the dinners, and 10x10 tents for the farmers market.

Please stay connected with us by following us on Facebook and Instagram: @northsidefoodcoop

With gratitude,

Cierra Washington

Project Manager

Northside Food Co-op