Through previous work in research and practice, we have identified a pressing need to further leverage and develop local capacity to provide alternative means of securing sustainable and equitable access to healthy, affordable, culturally, and generationally appropriate food. We require new approaches that shift from emergency dependency models towards more community-determined food access alternatives, especially for Black, racialized, and other equity-seeking communities. Such new strategies must be financially viable. The CGS model is one successful alternative implemented throughout Europe (e.g., "solidarity stores" in France, Épicerie Caritas in Switzerland, the Community Shop, UK), and Quest Food Exchange in Vancouver, British Columbia. In recent years, similar models have also emerged in Toronto, utilizing non-profit infrastructure and charitable pathways to food access and using 'pay what you can' models (e.g., Feed it Forward and the Moss Park Market). Through community-based partnerships, this project will develop, test, refine, and adapt a CGS model that addresses residential needs in Rexdale while also supporting small businesses and employment or skills-training opportunities. This involves undertaking an inclusive, locally informed feasibility study to assess a CGS model's potential impacts and viability, and to develop a flagship model with the aim of becoming fully operational in the spring of 2024. This project builds upon existing relationships, communications, and capacity between partner social service agencies associated with the RHC, ethnocultural food retailers, and local small business owners. We are committed to strengthening access to affordable and culturally appropriate food. We aim to explore the feasibility of utilizing existing food retail space and infrastructure. This model provides a foundation for other communities to determine the social infrastructure they need to enable equitable food access and self-sufficiency.