The Detroit People’s Food Co-op, a Black-led, community-owned grocery store, will open its doors on May 1 at 8324 Woodward. Occupying the first floor of the 31,000-square-foot Detroit Food Commons building in the North End, the co-op is the anchor tenant and pledges to bring “locally grown produce, groceries, baked goods, meats, fish, dairy, frozen foods, health and beauty items, beer and wine” to Detroiters.
The Detroit People’s Food Co-op has been about 14 years in the making. In 2010, the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (which became the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network in 2023) first originated the idea of creating a grocery cooperative.
The organization’s mission aimed to establish a way for Detroit’s Black population to lead in the local food movement, according to Angela Lugo-Thomas. The Detroit Food Commons, which houses the Co-op is “the home for Black food sovereignty and cooperative economics in Detroit,” said Lugo-Thomas.
The Detroit People’s Food Co-Op will open in a neighborhood that doesn’t currently have a grocery store within its boundaries. Everyone is welcome to drop in and encouraged to shop regularly.
As opening day inches closer, Planet Detroit talked to co-op member Angela Lugo-Thomas to learn more about the space. (Answers have been lightly condensed)
What is the difference between the Detroit Food Commons and the Detroit People’s Food Co-op?
The Detroit Food Commons is the name of the building on Woodward that will host and lease space to the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, the grocery store.
While the Co-op will open its doors on May 1, the Commons will host its own grand opening ceremony on May 18.
Do I have to be a member to shop at the Detroit People’s Food Co-op?
No, membership is not required to shop at the Co-op.
What does Detroit People’s Food Co-op membership mean? How can I become one?
Anyone who is a resident of Michigan and over the age of 21 can become a member. The benefit of membership is an ownership stake in the grocery store business.
“Members/owners can run for, nominate others, and vote for the board of directors. Each member/owner has one vote in all elections and can volunteer to serve on a committee,” Lugo-Thomas said. “In addition, any year that the store is profitable, the board can approve payment of a share of profits to members/owners.”
Members also decide the type of food the Co-op sells, how it operates, and many other things.
How much does Detroit People’s Food Co-op membership cost?
The membership fee is $200 lifetime per person. It can be paid all at once or in installments of $20 a month.
What are the communal/shared-use kitchens in the Detroit Food Commons for?
The Kujichagulia Kitchens are managed by the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN), not the Detroit People’s Food Co-op (DPFC). The four commercial kitchen spaces will be available for rent on a sliding scale to food entrepreneurs. The kitchens will be used by chefs, caterers, bakers, food truck businesses and other food entrepreneurs to prepare food products or meals. The kitchens are fully equipped with stoves, ovens, mixers, three-compartment sinks, prep tables, cold storage, dry storage and other amenities.
What is the Detroit Food Commons Community Access Fund?
Donations to the Detroit Food Commons Community Access Fund allows DBCFSN to offer discounted rates for community meeting space, the banquet hall and shared-use kitchens.
How can I become a member of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op?
You can join by visiting the website or call (833) 373-2313.
What makes the Detroit People’s Food Co-op different from traditional grocery stores?
In line with cooperative principles, DPFC will work with other businesses to support their efforts and keep as much money as possible within Detroit.
Do you have more questions about the Detroit People’s Food Co-op or the Detroit Food Commons? Let us know by writing to connect@planetdetroit.org.