Award winners were selected based on the strength of their leadership, quality of business planning, potential for successful operations, and potential impact made by the grant funds. The Fredericksburg Food Co-op was one of twelve food co-ops awarded the money from among dozens of grant applicants.
“This grant award is a very meaningful vote of approval by the national food co-op experts at FCI,” said Fredericksburg Food Co-op director and current board chair Rich Larochelle. “We greatly appreciate their affirmation of the work that has already been done by our founding board and our volunteers.”
Grant funds will be used for market analyses, business planning, and activities to further build the co-op’s membership base, Larochelle said.
The Fredericksburg Food Co-op was incorporated in September 2015 to be a full service, member-owned grocery store with a special focus on local foods, natural and organic products and sustainable environmental practices. “We will help to strengthen the connection between local farmers and co-op members,” Larochelle said.
The co-op will collaborate with others in our community to share best practices on nutrition, wellness and the strong connection between diet and health. “As a member-owned co-op, decisions will be made to maximize service to members and the community,” Larochelle said. “We will be more than just another place to shop.”
The Fredericksburg Food Co-op will open a store once its membership base reaches about 1,000. Co-op membership is a one-time investment of $200 per household, business or other entity. These membership investments provide capital and support necessary to move forward with opening a co-op grocery store to serve the Fredericksburg area. For more information and to become a member-owner please go to www.fredericksburgfoodcoop.com.
