Support West Oakland food access during COVID-19

Community Foods Market  is a full-service grocery store serving three historic neighborhoods along San Pablo Ave. in West Oakland that had not had a grocery store since the 1970’s. With 27 employees who are almost all BIPOC and from the local area, we provide affordable prices and selections of staple groceries, perishables, produce and prepared foods and operates a meat and seafood counter, deli counter and cafe. Community Foods Market is an anchor in a community that has been under-served for decades. We are a beacon of the kind of equitable transformation in our community that can advance it toward becoming a more thriving and healthy place. 
 
While Community Foods Market began to see growth in the first 9 months of business, like many small businesses across this country, we have been hit hard by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now facing a financial crisis as we struggle to keep our doors open during this challenging time. 

-- Record low levels of customer traffic, with 28% decline since November 2020
-- Declining sales have led to significant cuts in jobs and the ability to provide full-service
-- Prices have been reduced to ensure affordability during price inflation, but the reductions have cut into revenue for operations
 
Our team of Essential Workers has stepped up courageously throughout COVID-19 in support of our customers and community. As an important neighborhood anchor and critical infrastructure in West Oakland, we are now asking you to step up and help boost our business back to solid footing.
 
If you believe in the importance of independent businesses in anchoring and building the foundation of local communities, and that all communities should have access to fresh affordable food, please support Community Foods Market by contributing to our Go Fund Me page. Your contribution helps cover our operating expenses while we work to bring our sales back to pre-pandemic levels. This ensures that this community in West Oakland continues to have a full-service food market and that our staff continue to have well-paying and meaningful employment. 

Another way to support is to sign up to become a Booster  and commit to taking three important actions:

-- Shop at our store or online at least once a month
-- Get 5 people to shop at our store or online once a month
-- Spread the word through social media, email and text message

We'll also give you raffles cards to distribute to friends and family. Every raffle card that you and your friends fill out and drop off when you shop at Community Foods Market will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $200 gift card for groceries.

Two additional ways to support Community Foods Market:
-- Buy Food For Neighbors: Consider purchasing a Community Foods Market gift card  for West Oakland families who could use some help with groceries.
-- Shop online  : Did you know we have an online store? Delivery options are available. We'll hand-pick and bring your groceries to you. Just like we'd do for our own loved ones.

Thank You. 
The Community Foods Market Team