Create Positive Change
Each time you shop at the co-op, you have a chance to directly support local nonprofits by donating your 10-cent reusable bag credits and rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar. It may only be a few cents or spare change, but your generosity makes a huge impact — to the tune of over $10,000 each month for our Positive Change recipients!
Let us introduce you to BrightSide! BrightSide Produce Distribution is reducing urban food insecurity by improving access to affordable fresh produce right where people live and shop – their neighborhood corner store. Since 2014, BrightSide has helped corner stores in underserved Twin Cities communities stock high-quality, low-cost fresh produce on their shelves.
BrightSide’s Main Programs
Produce distribution at local corner stores BrightSide provides weekly deliveries complete with display, support, and “buyback” options to reduce the financial risk to local corner stores. This program dramatically increases the opportunity to access affordable fruits and vegetables by making them more readily available. The stores included in the program are in underserved areas and ‘food deserts.’ They currently serve 17 corner stores in St. Paul.
Produce Home Delivery Program
Pay What You Can Model: BrightSide operates a ‘Pay What You Can’ produce delivery. Recipients pay what they can afford between $1-12 for a large bag of fruits and veggies delivered right to their doorstep once per week.
Sustainer Model: BrightSide also offers a home delivery subscription service to households in Minneapolis and St. Paul that are able to pay a “food justice surcharge.” This program directly supports the Pay What You Can model and corner store distributions.
To ensure the healthy produce options remain affordable at corner stores, BrightSide takes a very small mark up (10%) that is subsidized by funding from the food justice surcharge of the home delivery subscription and from donations and grants, like Mississippi Market’s Positive Change program.
How will the funds be used?
Donations will be used to support the produce distribution program at local corner stores.