Mercado Central, a cooperative founded by latino entrepeneurs

with the immense support of community building organizations

has been for 26 years, the back bone of the improvement and

economic development of the vibrant Eeast Lake street corridor in Minneapolis, as well as serving as ambassador of culture and community gathering place.

In 2020, Mercado Central suffered the consequences of the

violence derived from the social unrest caused by the murder of

George Floyd; today we are again victims of violence. This time in the form of violent racial profiling, that has alienated all costumer bases, not only those of Mercado Central, but also those of all the South Minneapolis area.

This situation has driven customers away from Mercado Central,

which houses 35 small family businesses that serve not only

latino immigrants in the area and throughout the state, but also

the broader South Minneapolis community. Most of these

businesses have experienced sales reductions of more than 90%, and in many cases 100%. This trend is likely to continue for an indefinite period as customers, despite of immigration status fear harassment when circulating in public spaces.

Family businesses located within the building are unable to

generate sufficient sales, they cannot pay rent. If rental income is

not received, not only will the 35 families lose access to their

commercial spaces, but the cooperative may also lose the

building. Rental income is the primary source of funds the

cooperative relies on to cover all operational expenses and

property taxes. This is why, today Cooperative Mercado Central is

reaching out for help.

Please HELP if you can, we would greatly appreciate your contribution.