Mission

Our Approach

La Fresca is a community-led initiative rooted in the neighborhoods of Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea. We support local corner stores and restaurants, working alongside them to strengthen the local food system through collaboration and shared leadership. Our goal is to bring neighbors, small businesses, and community partners together to co-create solutions that improve access to fresh, affordable food and build a thriving local food economy.

Importance of a Local Economy

We strive for fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant foods into the Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea neighborhoods. We want to use collective purchasing power, to help reduce food costs while empowering residents to decide what foods are sourced and distributed. This strengthens local control and ensures the food system reflects the community’s values.

Investing in Neighborhood Food Businesses

We aim to support small food vendors and corner stores that are deeply rooted in the community by providing access to resources, improved sourcing, and cooperative marketing. These tools create real opportunities for economic self-determination and long-term growth. Our goal is to help local businesses remain accountable to their neighborhoods while building a values-driven, community-centered food economy.

Building a Local Network

Through organizing, we strengthen community control over local food systems. Community members will learn how to use collective purchasing to reduce costs and increase access to culturally relevant foods. We empower people to shape a food system that serves their needs and priorities.

Local is better

Builds Local Wealth

Money spent at local businesses tends to stay in the community—supporting jobs, paying local taxes, and circulating among neighbors rather than going to distant corporations or shareholders.

Supports Real People

You’re investing in your neighbors—not just transactions. Local businesses are often family-owned and run by passionate entrepreneurs who care deeply about the community they serve.

Generating Local Jobs

Small businesses are major job creators. Supporting them helps generate employment and fosters economic resilience, especially in under served or dis-invested areas.

Promotes Sustainability

Local businesses typically have shorter supply chains, use less transportation, and are more likely to source locally—reducing environmental impact.

Encourages Innovation

Local shops respond to local needs, often offering culturally relevant products, personalized service, and creative solutions not found in big box stores.

Community Building

When people shop local, they build relationships and trust with the behind the counter. This leads to more vibrant, connected neighborhoods and a stronger sense of place.

Get Involved

Shop Local Intentionally

One of the most powerful things you can do is choose to spend your money where it matters most — right in your own neighborhood. Make it a habit to visit local corner stores, family-run shops, and community-owned businesses. Whether you’re picking up groceries, ordering takeout, or buying gifts, every dollar you spend with a local business helps strengthen the local economy, support jobs, and keep culture alive. Small, consistent choices add up to real change.

Spread The Word

You don’t have to spend money to make an impact. Simply talking about your favorite local businesses — online or in person — can make a huge difference. Post about them on social media, tag them in your stories, leave a positive review, or recommend them to your friends and family. Visibility and word-of-mouth are powerful tools for small business growth, and your voice helps shine a light on the businesses doing good in your community.

Donate to Our Work

Want to support the broader mission behind food justice and economic equity? Donations help us provide training, tools, and resources to local businesses that are working hard to serve their neighborhoods. Whether you give once or become a regular supporter, your contribution goes directly toward strengthening our network and expanding access to healthy, affordable food. Every dollar makes a difference — and helps keep our work going.