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March was one for the books.
The Co-op had a record month in March! We gained 52 new member-owners during the month, bringing us to 1,024 members to start April. This is the highest number of new members we have added in any month since we started doing this!
We have now met our goal of 1,000 member-owners to begin serious work on opening a grocery store! That means it's time to get down to business. On April 8, we will launch our member loan campaign, giving member-owners an exclusive opportunity to earn a return by lending capital that will help us get our store open. We also continue to make strong progress on our location search, and hope to share more news soon!
April marks the start of Farmers Market season. Be sure to stop by our table at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market to learn that latest about your very own local food co-op.
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The Fredericksburg Food Co-op was featured on Bill Freehling's video series, produced by the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
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Our plan is in action!
On the "Grow, Fund, Build" path that has a proven track record for successful co-ops, we've done a great job on the "Grow" phase, and we fully intend to keep that momentum going as we move into the "Fund" phase.
We aim to keep growing at about a member a day while we make careful business decisions and execute on:
- Finding the best location
- Raising funds through member loans and other sources
- Hiring a General Manager.
We will launch our member-loan campaign in April. Co-op members only will have an opportunity to earn interest up to 6% while investing in their own community! We will be seeking member loans for about half of the $3.6 million in capital we’ll need to raise before we open our store. Read our blog post for some background on why we seek member loans, and why experts call them a "win-win" for both co-ops and their members.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Kimberly Brown
The Fredericksburg Food Co-op isn't just a chance to have better access to local food products--it's also a great way to plug in to your community!
That's what this month's featured volunteer, Kimberly Brown, has discovered. Click below to get to know her better!
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Register now for our 5k race!
Our "Go Far, Go Together" 5k run/walk will take place on April 20, 2019, on the beautiful Rappahannock River Heritage Trail in Downtown Fredericksburg. Click below to register. With your registration, you'll get a beautiful shirt designed by local artist Pete Morelewicz. Look good and feel good! See you on the trail!
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Mark your calendars.
All are welcome at Fredericksburg Food Co-op events!
Friday, April 5, 6-8:30 pm, First Friday, Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg. Celebrate great three dimensional art on First Friday at this unique and beautiful gallery. Visit our co-op table for free tasty treats and good conversation.
Saturday, April 13, 9 am – Noon, Gardening Day, Howell Branch Library, 806 Lyons Bvd, Fredericksburg, VA. 22406. Help plant vegetable and butterfly gardens, learn about worms, composting, turmeric and lots more. Activities for children, fun for all.
Saturday, April 13, 10am-5pm, Multicultural Fair, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Don’t miss this wonderful annual event featuring ethnic food and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities and much more. And please stop by our co-op table.
Saturday, April 13, 3:00-5:00 pm, Co-op Board Meeting, All are welcome to attend our board meetings. These are a good opportunity for you to learn about our process and to make input. If you plan to stop by please email us at fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 14, 2-4 pm, Capital Campaign Information & Party, Ristorante Renato, 422 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Co-op members are invited to attend this informative event to learn more about our exciting Member loan Campaign. Earn a fair return up to 6%. Put your money to work in your own community. Bring your questions. We’ll have answers and refreshments. Ready to make a loan? We’ll help you complete the paperwork. Please join us!
Friday, April 19, 4-5 pm, Reducing Food Waste, Porter Branch Library, 2001 Parkway Blvd, Stafford, VA 22554. Food is precious. Get ideas on reducing food waste. Save money. Help the environment.
Saturday, April 20, 9 am start time. 8am registration opens. Second Annual Co-op 5 K Walk/Run, “Go Far, Go Together,” Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Arrive early and experience the wonderful live music of the talented Laurie Griffith and Pete Mealy. Register today! Let’s get healthy together!
Tuesday, April 23, 2 pm - 4 pm, UMW Earth Day Market, University of Mary Washington, Ball Circle, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Celebrate our planet. All are welcome. Visit our co-op table.
Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 pm, Plant-Based Cooking, St. George’s Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg. What a treat! Chrissy McDermott and Wendy Cannon of the Dr. Yum Project will share their passion for healthy food options and show us how to have some fun in the kitchen. Vegan potluck follows or make a donation to The Table, St. George’s food pantry.
Saturday, April 27, 11am-4pm, Earth Day, Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA. Celebrate with live music, food vendors, and more. Soak in the friendly and inspiring atmosphere while learning more about the many resources and organizations in our community committed to a clean and sustainable environment.
Saturday, April 27, 7am-2pm, Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. So exciting to be back at our wonderful Farmers Market where the produce and other items are fresh and local and the people are friendly and kind. Stop by our food co-op table.
Sunday, April 28, 8:30 am – 11:30 am, Moss Free Clinic 5K, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Enjoy this “Get Healthy” event while contributing to this very noble mission.
Sunday, April 28, 2-4 pm, Capital Campaign Information & Party, Ristorante Renato, 422 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Co-op members are invited to attend this informative event to learn more about our exciting Member loan Campaign. Earn a fair return up to 6%. Put your money to work in your own community. Bring your questions. We’ll have answers and refreshments. Ready to make a loan? We’ll help you complete the paperwork. Please join us!
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Represent the Fredericksburg Food Co-op wherever you go! We've got apparel for sale, great for yourself or as a gift. Click the photo above to order!
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For those chilly spring mornings, try adding our cozy zippered hoodie to your wardrobe. Click here to place your order. It's another great gift idea for the foodies in your life!
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