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MISSISSIPPI MARKET AND RIVER MARKET ENVISION A MORE RESILIENT, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR LOCAL FOOD – TOGETHER
Co-op members will vote on a shared plan to unify the organizations and expand local access to healthy food and community programming
ST. PAUL & STILLWATER, MINN., August 12, 2025 – Mississippi Market Co-op and River Market Community Co-op, two Twin Cities-based community-owned grocers, have announced a proposal to unify their organizations. If approved by co-op members this fall, the merger would enable the expansion of access to healthy food, increase support for local farmers and help build a more resilient, sustainable community-owned food system.
“This is a future-focused move and empowers us to do more good – together,” said Sara Morrison, general manager of River Market Community Co-op. “By combining our resources and buying power, we can expand our positive impact while staying true to our values and cooperative mission. The River Market Board and I are proud to bring this proposal forward, and we encourage every member to learn more and vote “yes” this fall.”
For nearly 50 years, Mississippi Market and River Market have independently served the Twin Cities with shared values of local ownership, environmental sustainability, access to organic, high-quality food and democratic cooperation.
The organizations are collectively owned by roughly 25,000 members and operate four similarly sized stores. The proposed unification would preserve store-level identity and autonomy while making possible:
Stronger sourcing and buying power
Continued expansion of community programming and partnerships
Greater operational resilience and staff investment
“This is a rare opportunity to increase our impact while honoring what makes each co-op special,” said Catherine Downey, chief executive officer of Mississippi Market Co-op. “We are guided by shared values – not a desire for sameness. Our neighborhood stores will maintain their unique identities and deep community ties, because those are at the heart of everything we do. As always, our members hold the final vote. When every member-owner participates, our co-op communities thrive.”
Member voting will take place September 12 – October 8, 2025, as part of each co-op’s annual election. If approved, the unified organization will be comprised of the four existing neighborhood stores: one operating as River Market at 221 Main Street N., Stillwater; and three in St. Paul operating as Mississippi Market located at 1500 W. 7th Street, 622 Selby Avenue and 740 E. 7th Street.
Grounded in cooperative values, Mississippi Market and River Market remain committed to transparency, accountability and the well-being of the members and unique communities they serve. All members are encouraged to learn more about the proposal and cast their vote this fall.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI MARKET CO-OP
Since opening our doors in 1979, Mississippi Market Co-op has been helping our Saint Paul neighbors enjoy high-quality organic, local and sustainably raised foods. We have three friendly neighborhood stores owned by 18,000 of our community members. At the co-op, everyone is welcome, anyone can shop and anyone can join.
We are a community of members, shoppers and staff who are passionate about real, local food. Our priorities have remained true since the beginning, guided by cooperative principles. We’re driven by a desire to improve and nurture the health of people and the planet. We’re Saint Paul’s co-op, and we love our community.
ABOUT RIVER MARKET COMMUNITY CO-OP
Founded in Stillwater in 1978, River Market Community Co-op is Stillwater’s only cooperative grocery store with over 6,714 owners. This means we’re accountable to you — our Owners and our community. It’s because of you that we can provide fresh and flavorful food to our neighbors while supporting our local Growers, Grazers, Makers and Bakers. We are owned by and committed to our community.
