Neighborhood produce store draws council support with low‑cost model and workforce plans
November 06, 2025 | St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida
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Castle described a pricing example in which a family of three could purchase groceries that she estimated would provide eight meals for about $28; she also described product lines including cold‑pressed juices and dehydrated soups made from surplus produce. "A family of 3 can come and shop at my produce store and get 8 meals for less than $27," Castle told council.
Castle said the operation has distributed tens of thousands of fresh items through markets and retail sales and is launching workforce development and commercial‑kitchen plans to provide job certifications and placements for youth and residents with disabilities. Council members responded with repeated praise and offered to explore partnerships through Healthy Saint Pete, the Saint Petersburg Housing Authority and neighborhood markets.
Councilmembers discussed potential city support for expansion, mobile pop‑ups and coordination with existing SNAP and Fresh Access programs. Councilmember Gina Driscoll asked staff to explore potential collaborations and programmatic support.
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