Amidst the enticing aroma of freshly prepared meals and an organic salad bar featuring dishes like tinga de pollo, the SunCoast Market Co-op in Imperial Beach is drawing visitors for a unique reason. This newly opened establishment houses a fully electric kitchen, thanks to a Community Clean Energy (CCE) grant. This initiative involved partnerships with the San Diego Foundation (SDF), San Diego Community Power, and Calpine Community Energy.
The kitchen serves a dual purpose, not just preparing daily specials but also acting as a model for sustainability. It is equipped with all-electric appliances and is open for tours to groups such as the Chefs de Cuisine Educational Foundation, commercial kitchen operators, and UC San Diego students. Additionally, the co-op offers classes on nutrition and healthy cooking, plans a sustainability fair, and consistently highlights the benefits of their electric kitchen.
“From the start, the idea was to promote sustainable shopping and support local farms through the produce we offer,” said Kim Rivero Frink, president of the co-op board. “Then we heard about the Clean Energy Grant Program, and it just made sense. It fits in perfectly with our values.”
Building a Better Menu
Imperial Beach has struggled with limited access to full-service grocery stores. A decade ago, residents petitioned for a grocery store, but corporate chains showed little interest. Undeterred, locals initiated their own solution.
“We decided to open a store ourselves,” explained Frink, as a group began organizing a community-owned co-op. The focus was on serving members and the community rather than distant shareholders, emphasizing local farms and sustainability.
With approximately $4 million raised through donations and grants, SunCoast secured a long-term lease for a 6,200-square-foot space at Silver Strand Plaza. The grand opening was celebrated on January 31, 2026, marking it as the second co-op in San Diego County and the first in a majority Latino community.
Going Green
CCE grants are designed to promote healthier, sustainable communities. These grants focus on energy literacy, youth education, air quality improvement, clean energy careers, and community resilience. SunCoast Market Co-op received an $84,108 grant in the 2024 cycle, with current grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to be announced later this year.
The transition to an all-electric kitchen was not without hurdles, such as outdated building codes. A $30,000 hood was required over an induction range, even without an open flame. Despite these challenges, the kitchen, featuring a six-burner induction range, has garnered positive feedback.
“People are really impressed when they walk through our kitchen,” Frink stated. “They’re not used to seeing a six-burner induction range. Plus, the food is really good.”
Supporting the Environment
CCE grants, managed by SDF’s Climate Initiative, help communities reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. “We really appreciate the partnership with San Diego Community Power, Calpine Energy, and the San Diego Foundation,” Frink added, noting that this recent grant is the third from SDF, vital to the co-op’s success. “SunCoast would not be here without the support of our community.”
Learn More About Environmental Efforts at SDF
Original Story at www.sdfoundation.org