Community-Owned, Community-Fed: The SoLA Food Co-Op Story with Bahni Turpin

In this energizing episode, Garland Fuller dives into a radically authentic conversation with Bahni Turpin—acclaimed actress, community leader, and founder of the SoLA Food Co-Op in South L.A. Bahni shares her journey from artist to changemaker, breaking down how lived experience and community theater opened her eyes to food injustice and inspired tangible solutions.

From her roots in New York to establishing a home and purpose in South L.A., Bahni reveals what it really takes to build a member-owned food co-op in a city shaped by food deserts and systemic inequities. She opens up about the co-op building process, the setbacks and surprises, and the incredible community momentum fueling SoLA Food Co-Op today.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Turning Challenges Into Action:
  Bahni’s journey is all about not waiting for "someone else" to fix the gaps you see. When big chains refused to invest in her neighborhood, she imagined something bolder: a store owned by—and for—the people.

• Power of the Cooperative Model:
  A co-op isn’t just a store—it’s a movement. Every household member gets a vote and a say in how the business serves the community, from the products on the shelves to profit sharing and long-term decisions.

• Building From the Ground Up:
  Bahni shares honest reflections on how long the process can take and why showing up at farmer’s markets, collaborating with local growers, and hustling for grants matter. This is grassroots, solutions-first work.

• Disrupting Food Deserts by Design:
  The episode unpacks how systemic issues shape food access in Black and Brown communities—and how local, collective ownership can change the narrative for future generations.

• Collaboration in Action:
  The SoLA Food Co-Op journey is packed with stories of partnership—working with local farmers, coffee roasters, and organizations birthed from the Black Panther legacy—to ensure the co-op reflects and uplifts the neighborhood.

Memorable Quotes

“If you’re noticing [a problem], that’s all that needs to happen for something to start changing.”
— Garland Fuller

“What if the community owned the store—what if I didn’t have to be the owner?”
— Bahni Turpin

“A co-op isn’t for sale to the highest bidder. It’s about legacy, voice, and staying power for our communities.”
— Bahni Turpin

Get Involved

• Interested in joining SoLA Food Co-Op?

• $200 membership per household—for a lifetime of ownership, voting power, and community impact.

• Visit https://www.solafoodcoop.com/ to join or donate.

• Connect in person:

• Meet the team at their booth at the farmer’s market on the first and third Saturdays at Slauson & Crenshaw (5730 Crenshaw, 10am–3pm).

• Support their fundraising goal:

• They’re working toward $5M to open their doors debt-free and keep the power in the community. Every donation and membership matters.

• Bring your creativity:

• Volunteers, connectors, and cheerleaders are always needed! If you’re passionate about food justice, this is your space.

 

Shout-Outs & Resources

• Community Services Unlimited – Local partner and organic produce provider

• California Center for Cooperative Development – Check out their annual conference for anyone interested in building co-ops

• Aura Cafe & Life in a Bottle – Supporting local food entrepreneurs

 

Bonus: Playlist Picks