Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Community-Focused Grocery Store in Oakland
Mandela Grocery Cooperative operates as a worker-owned cooperative dedicated to strengthening the West Oakland community through healthy food access and economic empowerment. Our mission centers on providing fresh, organic, and locally sourced groceries while prioritizing partnerships with Black and Brown farmers and food entrepreneurs. By operating democratically and reinvesting in the community, we create dignified jobs and foster collective ownership. Our store features pesticide-free produce, hormone-free dairy, natural wellness products, and bulk goods, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.Through programs like Market Match, we make nutritious California-grown food more affordable for SNAP/EBT users, addressing food insecurity while supporting local agriculture. Our cooperative model emphasizes transparency, community reinvestment, and equitable economic opportunities for residents in underserved urban areas.
Services
Local Organic Produce
Hormone-Free Dairy
Bulk Goods
Wellness Products
Community Programs
Online Ordering
Local Vendor Partnerships
Food Assistance Programs
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We operate as a democratically owned worker cooperative prioritizing community needs
- We source 85% of products from California-based farmers and entrepreneurs
- Our store specializes in pesticide-free produce and hormone-free dairy products
- We offer 50% discounts on California-grown produce for SNAP/EBT customers
- We reinvest profits directly into neighborhood economic development initiatives
Services
Local Organic Produce
We offer a wide selection of pesticide-free fruits and vegetables sourced directly from California farmers. Our produce department emphasizes seasonal availability and prioritizes partnerships with Black and Brown growers. Customers benefit from year-round access to nutritious staples and specialty crops through our community-focused supply chain.
Hormone-Free Dairy
Our dairy section features milk, eggs, and cheese products free from artificial hormones and additives. We partner with ethical local producers to provide high-quality options that support digestive health and wellness. This commitment ensures customers receive nutritious, responsibly produced dairy products at fair prices.
Community Programs
Through Market Match and the Karma Jar program, we make healthy food more accessible while supporting economic equity. These initiatives provide discounts for EBT users and create a mutual aid system for community members in need. Our programs reflect our cooperative values of shared responsibility and collective well-being.
Wellness Products
We curate natural bath and beauty items, vitamins, and wellness supplements that align with our mission for holistic health. Our selection emphasizes locally made products with clean ingredients that support physical and environmental well-being. This department provides accessible wellness solutions for diverse community needs.
Online Ordering
Our e-commerce platform enables customers to purchase organic staples and pantry essentials for pickup or delivery. This service expands access to our products while maintaining our commitment to local sourcing. Users can conveniently order fresh produce and household goods while supporting community economic development.
Questions
What makes Mandela Grocery Cooperative different from regular grocery stores?
We're a worker-owned cooperative where employees are also owners, prioritizing community needs over profits while sourcing 85% of products locally.
Do you offer discounts for low-income customers?
Yes, through the Market Match program we provide 50% off California-grown produce for customers using SNAP/EBT benefits.
What types of products do you carry?
We offer organic produce, hormone-free dairy, bulk goods, natural wellness products, local specialty foods, and household essentials.
Are you open to the general public?
Yes, no membership is required to shop - our store is open to all customers Monday through Saturday from 9am-6pm.
How do you support local farmers?
We partner directly with over 50 California farms, prioritizing Black and Brown-owned operations, creating sustainable markets for their products.
Can I order groceries online?
Yes, we offer online ordering for pickup or delivery featuring our most popular organic staples and pantry essentials.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Charles Allensworth
Jan 04, 2022
Report
Great place to shop! Workers are welcoming, kind and provide great customer service. Worker-owned cooperatives is the way to go. Especially in communities that have been underserved with healthier food choices in the past.
Vitani Harrison
Jan 04, 2022
Report
All of the items here are great. Very neat and clean store with awesome staff. They are very helpful and always have a calm and positive demeanor. Best dinner packets as well. A real steal.
Kay Star
Dec 17, 2021
Report
I love this community store ran by real people! Great deal for fresh fruit and veggies! 50% off for ebt users!
Kalven Goreal
Dec 16, 2021
Report
Wonderful store for all your healthy needs. One time the internet was down and I NEEDED to buy fruit and immunity boosters (winter sniffles). Rather than pay card, the very helpful employee let me cash app them and they took care of the rest for me. 10 stars
