Not Just Alive, But Thriving: The Isla Vista Food Co-Op

Created in 1972, the Isla Vista Co-Op was founded by both UC Santa Barbara students and Isla Vista residents. It is deeply rooted in the anthropology and sociology departments at UCSB as it was originally an independent study project by a dedicated group of students and community members that brought it to life, in response to a series of protests in I.V. The student behind the idea of the food co-op, Chris Atwood, initially accepted an incomplete grade on his project from the professor. However, UCSB Associated Students gave a $13,000 loan to his idea and the Co-Op’s Pardall location opened in January 1974.