Erika Crenshaw and Patricia Torres opened El Sereno GreenGrocer to provide affordable fresh produce and celebrate local culture overcoming challenges to create a resilient community hub.
El Sereno GreenGrocer: Erika Crenshaw and Patricia Torres Bring Affordable Fresh Produce
In El Sereno, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, Erika Crenshaw and Patricia Torres saw a need for a grocery store selling fresh affordable produce. They opened El Sereno GreenGrocer to make it easier for locals to access healthy food without traveling far.
Getting started wasn’t easy and banks wouldn’t give them a loan so they took out a personal one instead. With the lease signed they renovated an old beauty salon into the grocery store relying on grants to help cover costs, according to the report of Los Angeles Public Press.
Support came from various sources including grants from the county and help from organizations like the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. They made sure their store accepted Electronic Benefit Transfer cards crucial for many in the area.
(photo: LAist)
Celebrating Local Culture with Affordable Fresh Produce, Overcoming Financial Hurdles and Building Community Resilience
El Sereno GreenGrocer isn’t just about groceries—it’s a celebration of local culture. They prioritize products from Black Indigenous People of Color-run farms and businesses. The store is a bright welcoming space that stands out from typical mini-markets.
While they’ve overcome many obstacles there are still challenges ahead. Dealing with permits and finding reliable wholesale vendors is tough. But Crenshaw and Torres are determined to keep pushing forward.
Their story isn’t just about opening a store, it’s about resilience and community. El Sereno GreenGrocer isn’t just a place to shop it’s a symbol of hope and possibility for the neighborhood’s future.
