Purple Porch Co-Op in downtown South Bend celebrates its five-year anniversary

SOUTH BEND — The Purple Porch Co-Op on North Hill Street is celebrating its five-year anniversary.

The co-op opened its doors in 2014 with 350 members. To date, it has almost 1,100.

Before the co-op arrived in downtown South Bend, the area was a food desert, meaing it was an area of town where it was difficult to buy affordable and good quality fresh food.

The Purple Porch Co-Op doesn't see itself in competition with groceries like Martin's or Whole Foods, because its business is structured a bit differently.

They focus on locally-sourced foods.

“A reason to be a member here is that you’re not only supporting Purple Porch Co-Op, you’re supporting a lot of small businesses,” said Heather Smith, produce and purchasing manager. “We carry quite a few local foods produced within 60 miles. Actually, 30-percent of our sales come within 60 miles of this.”

The co-op actually started nine years ago. A group of people came together and decided they wanted to start sourcing local foods in bulk.

Five years ago, the board of directors decided to open a retail location. Purple Porch on North Hill Street was born.

“I really like the food,” said Juanita Esguerra, customer. “They have a lot of vegan options, which is not so easy to find. And the food is really good. So it’s not just because it’s an option. I also like that they have a sustainable approach to where they source their food from."

You don't have to be a member to shop. But if you want to become one, it's a one-time $200 fee. They also offer payment plans and they have low-income options.

“Anytime I can get any sort of local, sustainable food, I’m going to," said Cory Hough, customer. "It’s supporting your local community. 90 percent of the time, it’s healthier."

Anything that can't be sourced locally, they try to buy regionally, which is a 300 mile distance.

Another perk is once you're a member, you're a member for life!

From meat to pizza sauce to honey, it's all local.