RI OFFICIALS TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPS DAY AT URBAN GREENS CO-OP MARKET
RI OFFICIALS TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPS DAY AT URBAN GREENS CO-OP MARKET
RI’s Only Member-Owned Grocery Store Open to All Shoppers
RIBBON CUTTING: JULY 11 AT 12PM
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (July 9, 2019) – Just weeks after opening, Urban Greens Co-op Market will announce a ribbon cutting with Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, representatives from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Rosa DeCastillo, Policy Analyst for Lt. Governor McKee, Fuerza Laboral, RI Center for Employee Ownership, Rhody Fresh, and Equal Exchange on Thursday, July 11 at 12 p.m. at 93 Cranston Street in Providence. The ribbon cutting commemorates the 25th International Co-ops Day; cooperatives like Urban Greens are economic engines that create sustainable jobs, contribute to social equality, and are democratically controlled by its members.
For food co-ops and their members here in the Northeast, good jobs are central to building a more sustainable local food system and an inclusive economy. For example, a study of food co-ops in our region found that the average wage was 18% higher than in other food and beverage stores in the same states. In addition, food co-ops had lower staff turnover (36%) when compared to supermarkets (59%) and more staff employed full-time (62% compared to 43% in supermarkets).
“Cooperatives can have an incredible impact on communities,” said Urban Greens council member Philip Trevvett. “Cooperatives are helping to build an economy (and world) that reflects the needs of all types of individuals and families. Co-ops empower communities through ownership. Urban Greens is thrilled to be the newest co-op in a small but growing number of cooperatives in Rhode Island, and we’re committed to serving and empowering the communities that surround us.”
“Providence is known far and wide as a culinary capital and in addition to having some of
the most critically-acclaimed restaurants in the country, we are also a producer of world-
class culinary talent,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We are now developing a reputation
as a regional production and distribution hub of high-quality local foods, like those at
Urban Greens, that will help catalyze an inclusive economy while benefiting the quality
of life for residents citywide.”
“We are very pleased that Urban Greens is now open for business, replacing a former brownfield site with a grocery store that is filled with fresh food and local produce,” said Secretary Stefan Pryor. “This project is one of many recent investments in our small business community and local food economy, both of which are vital for a vibrant and healthy community. Congratulations to everyone involved in this endeavor.”
Urban Greens currently has more than 1,300 members who vote on policies and receive special in-store discounts. Membership costs between $10 and $160, making it truly accessible to all. Qualified low-income members qualify for a 5% discount on all items. To become a member, visit https://urbangreens.com/membership/.
Urban Greens is the sole commercial tenant in a mixed-use development comprising two
buildings that also includes 30 residential units – six of which will be reserved for
affordable housing funded through the City of Providence’s Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME).
The $2.2 million Urban Greens project is expected to generate 28 part-time and full-time jobs. The project received an investment from the Rhode Island Foundation, a Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit, a loan from RI Commerce, and a loan from The Cooperative Fund of New England. The project also received grants from the Rhode Island Foundation, LASA in conjunction with the RI Department of Environmental Management, and the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. All told, more than a third of the financing came from families and individuals, an indication of the community’s support for this new grocery store.
WHO: Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, representatives from the Rhode Island Commerce Corperation, Rosa DeCastillo, Policy Analyst for Lt. Governor McKee, Fuerza Laboral, RI Center for Employee Ownership, Rhody Fresh, and Equal Exchange
WHAT: Urban Greens Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Thursday, July 11 at 12 p.m.
WHERE: Urban Greens, 93 Cranston Street, Providence RI 02909