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Growing membership and capital!
The local growing season has started again. You can see it in the produce displays at farmers' markets, and in the important progress we're making at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op! The Co-op gained 31 new member-owners in April, bringing us to a total membership of 1,054.
OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Have you learned about our Member Loan Program? We launched member loans in April. As of this writing, our signed loan agreements are now at $736,500 and we are at about $900,000 in total, including verbals. We still have more to raise to meet our goal, but we are making progress!
We are grateful for the many members who have made a loan and the larger number who are considering this opportunity. Co-ops look to their members for core capital and our members are showing that together we can do this.
Read on for more information on how to keep us moving toward opening a local, member-owned, sustainable grocery store in the Fredericksburg region.
If you are a Co-op member and are interested in considering a member loan, please contact us at fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com for information about this unique opportunity to earn a return of up to 6% while putting you money to work right here in Fredericksburg.
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Don't miss out: Fredericksburg's got a speakeasy.
Join us May 18 for a one-of-a-kind fundraising event for the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. Where is this party? Well, you'll have to buy tickets to find out and get the password. We're taking you back to the era of Prohibition, so come dressed in your favorite Roaring 20s style.
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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 (We hope to share exciting news soon!)
- Raising funds through member loans and other sources (We are already making great progress toward our goal!)
- Hiring a General Manager.
We launched our member-loan campaign in April. Co-op members only have an opportunity to earn interest up to 6% while investing in their own community! We are 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: Rosemary Pitts
If you've stopped by our booth at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market, you've likely met Rosemary Pitts, one of our wonderful volunteers.
Learn more about why Rosemary got involved with the Food Co-op, and how she's found it a great way to meet people who share her interests, in this month's volunteer spotlight.
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Mark your calendars.
All are welcome at Fredericksburg Food Co-op events!
Saturdays, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 am-2 pm FARMERS MARKET, Hurkamp Park, William & Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg VA. So exciting to be back at our wonderful Farmers Market where the people are friendly and the produce and other items are fresh and local. Come by our food co-op table for lively conversation and information.
Saturday, May 4, 9 am, WALK FOR MENTAL WELLNESS, Maury Park, Fredericksburg VA. We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the walk to raise awareness about mental health and wellness in our community. One and three mile routes. Register onsite. Enjoy Live Music, Games and crafts for kids (of all ages), Silent Auction, Raffles, Food for registered walkers, Paws for Dogs treats & refreshments, Awards for Walkers and Teams.
Saturday, May 4, 3-5 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.
Saturday, May 4, 5:30-8:00 pm LOAN CAMPAIGN INFORMATION, Red Dragon Brewery, 1419 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg. Food Co-op members are invited to stop by Red Dragon for free pizza and answers to all your questions about the member loan campaign.
Saturday, May 18, 1:00-4:00 pm, FORK IT OVER FESTIVAL, Downtown Greens, At the intersection of Charles, Dixon, and Princess Anne Streets, Fredericksburg. Join us at Downtown Greens annual family-friendly fundraising festival! There will be live music, kids’ activities, a silent auction, vendors, a plant sale and, of course, food.
Saturday, May 18, 6:00-9:00 pm, A NIGHT AT THE SPEAKEASY, Who was Annie? Find out and have fun at a secret location in Fredericksburg. Enjoy delicious snacks and spirits. Bid on special gift baskets — all to benefit the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and CASA. You won’t want to miss this party! Buy your tickets today at fredericksburgfoodcoop.com
Wednesday, May 22, 5:30-7:30 pm, PLANT-BASED COOKING CLASS, St. George’s Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg VA. Joy Crump, Executive Chef of Foode & Mercantile, will share the joy of preparing spring vegetables five different ways. Bring a dish for the vegan potluck which follows the class or make a contribution to The Table, St. George’s food pantry.
Wednesday, May 29, 7-8:30 pm GROCERY STORY Book Tour with Author Jon Steinman, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg VA. Celebrate “The Promise of Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants“
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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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