A New Partnership to Strengthen Local Food Access

The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) is partnering with the Isla Vista Food Cooperative (IVFC) to support local food access, reduce car dependence, and promote a thriving, sustainable Isla Vista. Through this partnership, IVCSD is funding 166 memberships at the Isla Vista Food Co-op for local households - and your household may be one of them.

What Is the Isla Vista Food Cooperative?

The Isla Vista Food Co-op is a community-owned grocery store that has served Isla Vista for over 50 years. As one of only two grocery stores in IV — and the only one offering a wide selection of fresh produce — the Co-op plays a vital role in food accessibility for our residents.

But recently, the Co-op has faced financial challenges that put its future at risk. Without it, many residents would be forced to drive out of town to shop for groceries, increasing car use, parking demand, and emissions in our community.

What Is the IVFC Community Membership Program?

To support the Co-op and help keep fresh, local food in Isla Vista, IVCSD is purchasing 166 household memberships (Class C memberships) and distributing them for free to selected Isla Vista addresses. These memberships grant Co-op benefits,  including discounts and member deals, at no cost to you or your household.

This program is part of a long-term effort to:

• Reduce parking demand and car reliance
• Support local businesses
• Increase food accessibility
• Build stronger community connections

Was Your Household Selected?

If your household was selected to receive a membership, you should have received a notification letter. These memberships are tied to pre-approved addresses and must be activated in person at the Isla Vista Food Co-op.

To activate your membership:

1. Visit the Isla Vista Food Co-op (6575 Seville Rd).
2. Bring your proof of address (a lease, utility bill, or ID with your current address).
3. Let the staff know you're claiming your IVCSD-sponsored membership.
4. You’ll be asked to designate one primary contact person for your household.

Once activated, your entire household will enjoy all the benefits of Co-op membership. Tell the cashier your address to utilize your membership benefits every time you or your housemates shop at the Co-op.

Membership Details:

Owner Benefits:

• Earn Co-op points on every purchase
• 15% off special & bulk orders
• Access to biweekly owners only promotions
• Monthly e-coupons delivered to your inbox
• & much more!

Earn Points Every Time You Shop:

• Earn variable percentages back on purchases, with special multipliers during promotions
• Redeem points for discounts (e.g., 500 points = $5.00 off)
• Points are automatically tracked on your account - just use your owner address at checkout to earn and redeem

Exclusive Coupons:

• Opt in to email marketing for special monthly coupons
• Redeem at checkout for instant savings

Get the Most out of Your Shared Household Membership:

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your co-op membership. Your household may choose to shop the co-op individually, but you will get the most savings by shopping as a household!

Tip #1: Combine Special Orders & Bulk Shopping - Combine special order shopping (15% off your total order) with bulk shopping (varying percentage discounts on bulk items) to receive extra savings off of your total order. With a little planning and coordination as a household, you can save big by shopping in bulk! Purchase common items you can all use:

• Cleaning supplies
• Dried goods like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and other grains/legumes/flour products
• Nuts, nut butters, dried fruit, & trail mix
• Baking products
• Spices & seasonings
• Coffee, tea, and yerbas
• Shelf-stable almond milk & other milk alternatives

To learn more about special orders and shopping in bulk, head to the Isla Vista Food Co-Op’s website

Tip #2: Utilize IVFC’s Curbside Pickup - The Isla Vista Food Co-op offers curbside pickup for special orders made online! Simply park at the co-op and get your bulk order delivered right to your car. Now you can shop in bulk without having to deal with Costco Chaos! Learn more about IVFC’s curbside pickup here

Tip #3: Cook Household Meals - Use your free membership as an opportunity to cook and eat together as a household. Say goodbye to fighting for precious counterspace while all 11 of your housemates are trying to cook dinner! Create a schedule that works best for your house - The options are endless!

• One person can cook dinner for everyone each night of the week (ex: Pam cooks on Monday, Susy on Tuesday, etc)
• Choose one night of the week where everyone cooks a communal dinner together (ex: Thursday nights are household dinner nights)

Cooking household meals not only saves time and money, but also creates a bonding ritual between you and your housemates. Use this time to hangout together, or discuss household issues like chores, guest policies, etc.

Tip #4: Shop Sale Items - fresh produce can be expensive in Isla Vista. Look for produce items on sale at the Co-op to make healthy eating more affordable than ever!

Tip #5: Accumulate Points - Every time anyone in your household shops at the co-op using your household membership, you accumulate membership points which can be redeemed for discounts. Use your points for discounts on household orders, or for fun incentives! For example:

• Once you have reached 1,000 points, use your $10 off to buy a dessert for the whole house
• Pick a “housemate of the month” to redeem the points however they choose. Maybe this person has done the most chores that month, or maybe it’s someone who just needs a pick-me-up!

Why This Matters

In community surveys, Isla Vista residents said that having more full-service local businesses would reduce the need to own a car. Groceries are one of the top reasons residents drive — and the closure of the Food Co-op would force many to travel farther for food.

By investing in memberships for residents, this program:

• Helps the Co-op stay open and thrive
• Keeps food access local and affordable
• Reduces environmental and local congestion impact from car use
• Builds a more self-sufficient, connected Isla Vista

Questions?

Reach out to communityengagement@islavistacsd.com or visit www.ivfood.coop for more information. You can also stop by the Co-op anytime to talk to staff, shop, or get involved in your community-owned grocery store.