Create Alternative Economies for the Food Sector

Publication on Social Groceries

After engaging with various members and founders of social groceries in Lebanon, it became evident that such initiatives play a vital role in the country. To support their growth and encourage the establishment of new social groceries, Jibal decided to create a manual. The manual dissects the definition and different models of social groceries abroad and in Lebanon. It entails all knowledge that was gathered on social groceries. It acts as an awareness tool and a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in setting up their own social grocery.

Read the Social Grocery Manual here

Coaching and Support of Solidarity Grocery Shop: Dikken El Mazraa

Jibal’s efforts focus on empowering social enterprises aimed at strengthening fair and sustainable food access models. One of those enterprises is Dikken El Mazraa, a solidarity grocery shop in Beirut. This shop sources quality products from independent local producers and cooperatives, pricing them according to the social and financial situations of its members, thus making quality food accessible to vulnerable households. Our support for Dikken El Mazraa included strategic business modeling, marketing, communication, and fundraising.

Support of Farmer-Owned Sales Cooperative

In Majd El Meouch, a village located in the Chouf area, Jibal supported the revival of a farmer’s cooperative. This cooperative not only optimized collective production but also obtained a license to operate as a sales cooperative. Focused on improving market access, the cooperative began exploring opportunities for establishing a sales point in Beirut, with further developments planned for 2024.

Launch and Support of Farmers Market: Souk el Mawsam

In 2022, a farmers market was launched in Beirut, bringing together around 20 farmers from Mount Lebanon and Bekaa. Souk El Mawsam aimed at creating direct links between farmers and consumers. It opens twice a week and is located at Nation Station, in Geitawi. On every market day, around 100 consumers visit the market to buy sustainable products. Several environmental educational activities also took place during the days of the market, involving children from the area.

Launch pilot model of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a system of mutual support that connects producers and consumers by allowing the consumer to subscribe to the yield of a certain farm or group of farms. It is an alternative socioeconomic model that allows the producer and consumer to share the risks and benefits of farming. In 2023 Jibal had piloted a CSA model linked 3 food producers from Majd el Meouch to 23 consumers in Beirut.