Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
FOOD CO-OP SEEKS TO SET ROOTS
WEST CHESTER—Leaders of the West Chester Cooperative, or Co-op, while seeking to establish a member-owned, full-service grocery store in the borough presented a resolution requesting support, at Wednesday’s Smart Growth Committee meeting.
Co-op representatives hope that a show of support by the borough will spark grant monies and other funding sources.
The Smart Growth Committee asked the Administration, Communications and Technology Committee, or ACT Committee, to review the resolution at next month’s meeting, and for the borough solicitor take a look at the resolution.
After serving residents from 2020 -2022, the Co-op recently closed a walkable market at 142 E. Market St. There is currently no supermarket located within borough borders and the Co-op hopes to fill that void.
The Co-op will continue to sell “exceptional, fresh, healthy, locally focused food at fair prices, seven days a week, for all shoppers,” reads the resolution.
The store on Market Street carried many locally sourced items.
“The Coop will support the local economy by featuring locally produced food and related products, with ownership by local members in a cooperative business model, and by attracting shoppers from outside of West Chester Borough,” reads the resolution. “The Co-op will benefit shoppers by offering fresh and healthy food choices while benefitting the environment with walkable access for residents and a lower energy and pollution footprint related to food transportation and distribution.”
In a bid to establish a permanent location, the Co-op has attracted 515 members, who each paid $400. The Co-op is working toward a goal of attracting 600 members.
The Co-op is working with the Food Co-op Initiative, a national organization, and is approaching the fourth stage of a five-tier development plan. That plan calls for securing a permanent location, hiring a full-time general manager, and authorizing additional fundraising from members, grant providers, and outside loan providers, according to the resolution.
Co-op representative Tim Drake told the committee that no permanent location for a market has been determined, while REALTORs and developers have been consulted.
Co-op organizers have met with local legislators: U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlihan; State Sen. Carolyn Comitta; County Commissioner Josh Maxwell; Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste; and Borough Manager Sean Metrick.
Co-op Board President, Renee Ryan talked about communicating.
“The support we are receiving from the local legislators has been incredibly moving,” she said. “We are so excited to build these relationships as we
work towards creating this community hub.”
Councilman and Committeeman Patrick McCoy supports the Co-op.
“I have been a co-op member since it was started because there are so many environmental, health, and economic benefits to the whole community,” McCoy said. “It’s a win-win for all of us to have locally-sourced and grown food that’s easily accessible and affordable.
“Between the Co-op and the Growers Market we are lucky to have this. I’m really looking forward to the Coop having a permanent home.”
Councilman and Committeeman Brian McGinnis also supports the Co-op.
“The West Chester Food Co-op increases access to affordable fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods,” McGinnis said. “It keeps money circulating in the local economy.
“It’s great for the environment because it allows people to shop by foot or by bike by providing outlets in residential areas.”
The Co-op has a packed schedule of community events. Everyone is welcome.
March 14, Fundraiser at Bar Avalon: Dine at Bar Avalon on 3/14 and Bar Avalon will donate 25% of all dine in food sales to the West Chester Cooperative. Bar Avalon will also donate 15% on take-out (door dash excluded)
April 12, Jon Steinman Event. 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Chester County History Center. Author Steinman will talk about who owns your grocery store and ask why a communityowned grocery store for West Chester.
In addition to those events, the Co-op will be hosting a Bake Off, Participating in Earth Day, working with LeVante Brewing H.O.P and at Porchfest. Members are also participating in Community Service Day and bringing a group of member owners to the Goose Creek Cleanup.
For more information, go to www.westchester. coop