Rainbow Grocery Cooperative is more than a grocery store - it’s a San Francisco institution.
Although technically it has been recognized as an SF Legacy Business, the collective history of the store eludes many people. Coming out of the People’s Food System of the 1970s, Rainbow’s first storefront opened in 1975 and was located on 16th near Valencia. It was founded out of an ashram, in a time when there was no natural foods industry. The store was a product of f it’s time and a healthy vegetarian alternative to the typical grocery store food system. The store began as a buying club, with volunteers; most workers were customers.
In the early days Rainbow contributed to the Black Panther Party’s Breakfast Program, helping give free breakfast to school children. In 1983 Rainbow made the move to 1899 Mission Street (at 15th). At that time it was the biggest health food store in the city, with 105 workers. Issues around lack of parking for customers and poor back stock storage influenced the store to move to the current and largest location at 1745 Folsom Street at 13th.
Rainbow reincorporated in the 1990s as a California Worker Cooperative, where all workers are considered worker-owners and share in the profits of the store. The work structure is non-hierarchical, meaning there are no bosses, although there are committees that contribute to the smooth running of the store, like the Storewide Steering Committee and the Board of Directors. Currently workers enjoy excellent health care benefits, a decent hourly wage and the ability to vote on and create policies that can positively affect their working environment. The current location has been certified as a Green Business by the California Green Business Network, using light harvesting solar panels & 100% renewable energy in store.
The store maintains memberships with NOBAWC (Pronounced No-Boss, Network of Bay Area Worker Collectives) and USFWC (US Federation of Worker Cooperatives), highlighting a democratic workplace. Through Rainbow’s Co-op Committee, they promote the creation and success of new co-ops. They sponsor local organizations and events, most recently including Golden Thread Theater Company, SF LGBT Center, Frameline Festival, Bearrison Fair, SF Veg Society, Huckleberry Youth, SCRAP, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the list goes on…!
The Rainbow Grocery Cooperative Mission Statement is as follows:
Providing affordable vegetarian food products which have minimal negative impact ecologically and socially. Buying goods from local organic farmers, collectives, bakers, dairies and other local businesses whenever possible. Providing our customers with the best possible service.
And now, as we look forward to the 50th Anniversary of Rainbow Grocery Cooperative coming up in 2025, we celebrate our local SF gem. Keep an eye out on their socials - @rainbow_grocery on Instagram for upcoming events, including giveaways, raffles, community gatherings and a block party in mid August, 2025 on 14th Streets & Trainor Alley. And as always, shop in the store for the greatest selection of organic produce in the city!
Bakery - Looking for a delicious treat? • Bath & Body - Maintain your healthy glow • Beer, Wine & Spirits - Cheers and congrats! • Books & Gifts - For all the folks on your list • Bulk Foods - Get as much or as little as you need • Bulk Herbs, Teas, & Spices - Add some flavor • Cheese - Say yes to amazing! • Cooler & Frozen Foods - Quick meals to cold drinks • Housewares - Making your home more functional • Packaged Foods - Quick, convenient, and delicious • Produce - 100% organic, all-year round • Sundries - Cleaning, gardening, pets, and more! • Vitamins & Supplements - Maintain your balance
Photography by: Group photo courtesy of Erin McDermott. Worker portraits courtesy of Molly Decoudreaux.
