To End A Food Desert, These Community Members Opened Their Own Grocery

Mandela Foods Cooperative in West Oakland is worker-owned, black-owned, and thriving. A decade ago, there were more than 50 liquor stores in West Oakland and zero full-service grocery stores. But in 2009, community members launched Mandela Foods Cooperative, a health food store in the neighborhood with a small but Whole Foods-like produce section. Despite the high failure rates of new businesses–around 70% fail after 10 years–the store has survived. This year, it will expand into a new retai...