“It’s not just about groceries”: Understanding perspectives on a planned food co-op in West Charlotte, North Carolina

Abstract

Food insecurity is a serious issue in the U.S., partic­ularly in communities that have experienced long-standing disinvestment and racial segregation. In historically Black neighborhoods in West Charlotte, North Carolina, supermarket redlining and urban neglect have contributed to limited access to affordable, healthy, and culturally relevant foods. In response, the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition (WBNC), a local nonprofit, developed the Three Sisters Market, a planned community-owned food cooperative (co-op) designed to address food insecurity, promote economic devel­opment, and serve as a community gathering space for West Charlotte residents. While community-owned food co-ops present a promising solution by expanding access to affordable food options in areas where no grocery store has been sited, there is a significant gap in research documenting resi­dent perspectives on co-ops, particularly those planned in historically marginalized Black commu­nities. To address the gap, this study used a com­munity-engaged research approach in partnership with WBNC to explore local perspectives on the planned West Charlotte co-op. It aimed to answer the questions: (1) How do residents perceive com­munity food co-ops; (2) What are the perceived benefits and challenges of a co-op in West Charlotte; (3) What services, attributes, and ameni­ties do residents consider important for the success of the planned co-op. We conducted 34 semi-structured interviews with West Charlotte residents and local workers, and individuals from surround­ing areas. Thematic analysis revealed both opportu­nities and concerns, that most participants were unfamiliar with food co-ops but would “very likely” shop there after learning more. Participants prioritized fresh produce, culturally relevant foods, and ready-to-eat healthy meals. They also envi­sioned the co-op as a hub for cooking classes, health education, and social connection in general. Concerns about the co-op’s ability to sustain itself financially, affordability, and transportation access underscored the importance of inclusive planning and engagement. This study contributes to food justice and co-op development literature by center­ing resident voices and offering practical insights for community-driven food access solutions in historically marginalized communities.