Organization hopes to land Measure J funding for northern Palm Springs food co-op study

One citywide organization hopes to help do what many have been unable to accomplish so far. It’s seeking Measure J funding to explore the creation of a food co-op in the northern part of the city, aiming to address the area’s lack of accessible and healthy grocery options.

As part of the community-initiated projects process, the Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) has submitted an application to the Measure J Oversight Commission for $50,000 to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed co-op. The initiative comes in response to concerns raised by residents about the absence of a supermarket in an area that stretches from the Mountain Gate to Desert Highland and Gateway Estates neighborhoods.

A co-op, or “food cooperative,” is a member-owned grocery store focusing on local, organic, and sustainable products. Unlike traditional supermarkets, co-ops are democratically governed, allowing members to influence decisions. They prioritize fair prices, support for local producers, and healthy food choices, with profits typically reinvested or returned to members.

Lisa Hoff, a ONE-PS board member, presented the proposal at a recent Measure J Oversight Commission meeting, noting that residents of the northern part of the city came to the organization asking for assistance in their search for a supermarket that would be willing to build in their community. 

The organization conducted a preliminary survey in Districts 1 and 2 to gauge community interest and needs. 

“It became very clear that they desperately needed a supermarket out there that served healthy, affordable food at hours that they could access,” Hoff explained.

The proposal requests funding for three consultants with expertise in different aspects of co-op development, including a feasibility study due to the complex nature of the process of establishing a grocery store in the area.

The proposed study aims to examine the sustainability and financial viability of a potential food co-op. It would also explore how the initiative could complement the city’s broader plans for larger retail developments in the area.

“Most of these people were working not one job but two jobs,” Hoff told the Commission at its Dec. 19 meeting, highlighting the challenges faced by residents of the area. “They have students there who are working and going to school,” she added, underscoring the need for a grocery store with accessible hours.

The Measure J Oversight Commission is currently reviewing this proposal along with other community-initiated project applications. Chair Peter Sipkins announced a change in the commission’s meeting schedule to allow for a more thorough evaluation of the proposals.

“We are going to postpone that January meeting and instead we’ve been able to secure a meeting date of January 30, which will be a special meeting,” Sipkins said. The change aims to give commissioners more time to review updated financial information from some applicants.

The commission plans to categorize proposals into three groups: those to be accepted or granted funding, those that do not qualify for Measure J funding, and those that may be considered for future funding cycles.

The food co-op feasibility study is one of several community-initiated projects vying for Measure J funding. The commission will make its recommendations to the City Council in March, in time for the council’s budget deliberations.

Measure J, a one-cent sales tax approved by Palm Springs voters, provides funding for various community projects. The tax is set to continue indefinitely following a recent ballot measure removing its sunset clause.

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