The Community Markets Purchasing Real and Affordable (Compra)

Serving as alternative food distribution system.

Other | United States of America | Community Development |

https://comprafoods.org

Overview

Community Markets Purchasing Real and Affordable (COMPRA) Foods is a purchasing cooperative project that creates an alternative food distribution system for small grocers and convenience stores in food desert neighborhoods in Los Angeles. There is currently a large disconnect in the food system in these communities. Small food retailers in the Promise Zone often source their food products from big box grocers paying full price for these products and then marking them up for sale in their own establishments. This often occurs because entrepreneurs lack relationships with distributors who can deliver produce to their businesses at wholesale prices. Small and mid size farmers who may be interested in selling their produce directly to these establishments also lack the relationships and efficient distribution systems that can connect them to the hundreds of stores in low income food deserts.This service gap between growers distribution companies and small food retailers impacts low income consumers tremendously.