After 50 years in Isla Vista, the Isla Vista Food Co-op is expanding to serve the greater Santa Barbara community. The new store will be at 1533 State St., currently the home of Cantwell’s Market.

The new Downtown Market will honor the history of Cantwell’s Market and bring more options for produce, grocery, and deli to the neighborhood, the Isla Vista Food Co-op said.

“We are excited to begin the transition,” aid Lisa Oglesby, president of the co-op’s Board of Directors. “It will take time to bring all the beloved aspects of the co-op to the new location, but, in the coming months, new items will be rolling out at the Downtown Market.

“We invite all owners to come shop and help welcome the co-op to the neighborhood.”

The Isla Vista Food Co-op is a community-owned, cooperative grocery store founded in 1972 by UC Santa Barbara students and neighbors who wanted to ensure the community would always have neighborhood access to high-quality and affordable food.

The co-op was also designed to give local farmers and producers a dedicated store where they could sell their products.

A consumer cooperative serves as an economic alternative founded on cooperative business principles and values. Co-ops aren’t owned by a few people, they are owned by the community.

The main goal of the co-op is to create a mutually beneficial network that allows the community to thrive through healthy living and eating practices.

The Isla Vista Food Co-op plans a grand opening celebration with the community in April.