Newsletter: June 2024

Jun 1

The Mushroom Messenger

KCG Monthly Newsletter: June 2024

Bringing you the monthly news of Kennett Community Grocer, a growing Food Co-op committed to local food, community, and culture.

Hello to our Member-Owners and Friends!
In this edition:

Big strides by KCG Board!
9 new Member-Owners
Upcoming Happy Hour
Special Feature: Update on KCG’s Progress!

WHAT’S THE BOARD BEEN UP TO?

The KCG Board met on May 13 at the Kennett Library. We will continue meeting in-person in the Pine Room. Member-Owners are invited to join us June 10 at 7pm. This meeting will be hybrid, so you can also attend via Zoom (see our events calendar).

Our May meeting was eventful for the vote we took on securing the potential future home of the co-op. The Board voted unanimously to pursue engaging an attorney for the Letter of Intent (LOI) to lease 7,000 square feet on the first floor of the main building at 600 S. Broad Street in Kennett Square. The letter has since been drafted and submitted for inclusion on the agenda for the June 3 meeting of Borough Council. We plan to share an update with you once Council has made a decision. We hope you are all encouraged by this announcement. Look for more information about this and opportunities to give your feedback as Member-Owners on these plans.

Additionally, we voted unanimously to engage Elliot Nolter from East Spruce Design Build to be our Visioning Architect for the space. Elliott did similar work for Bethlehem Food Co-op and is experienced at taking former manufacturing space and turning it into a beautiful retail store. We are excited to work with him.

600 S. Broad Complex - proposed site of Kennett Community Grocer

MEMBERSHIP EVER-GROWING

We are currently at a member-owner count of 372, adding 9 new members this past month. As we quickly approach the possibility of leasing a locations for the store, it is essential we begin the process of raising $2 million to “Open the Door.” This will be done through a combination of grants, direct fundraising through our website, fundraising events over the next year, and financing through secured loans guaranteed by our member-equity. We will be working diligently to make all of this happen. Member-Owners with passion and experience in any of these areas of funding are welcome to reach out through info@kennettcommunitygrocer.coop to offer your help.

Kennett JazzFest - KCG sponsorship made possible by generous donors!

Become a Member-Owner Today

MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAM

One more vendor signed up to participate in May. We have 14 local growers, producers, and businesses offering discounts to KCG Member-Owners – check them all out here!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, June 27, 10:00AM-12:00 PM: Live Better Storytime for children ages 5 to 8. (Kennett Library)
Join local author Chris Mahoney for this educational program to promote taste development and healthy food habits in young children in a simple, fun, and playful way - by following the ‘Amazing Journey of Clarence Carrot’ to become a "taste champion!" Registration recommended.

Thursday, June 27, 5:00-7:00PM: Meet us for Happy Hour. (Braeloch Brewery)
Join us and extend an invitation to friends and neighbors who might be interested in joining the co-op. You and your guests can...

Enjoy a drink and appetizers – on us!
Connect with fellow Member-Owners
Hear updates on KCG's progress towards opening the store

No RSVP is required. We can't wait to see you there!

And check out our table…

Your can also chat with KCG at community events "around the square"!

Friday, June 7, 3:00-6:00PM: KSQ Farmers Market. Get some fresh veggies and check out the proposed store site at 600 S. Broad!

SPECIAL FEATURE

HOW THE HECK DID WE GET HERE AND WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Back in March, recently joined Member-Owner and volunteer, Tom Pitcherella, asked to be brought up to speed on KCG’s journey and the important milestones we must hit to make the store a reality. Our membership has grown tremendously in the last year, and it’s possible you have similar curiosity. If so, lucky you! We recorded the call between Board President Edie Burkey and Tom, describing how far we have come and where the milestone to-do list takes us next. Check out this 5-minute highlight reel…

Building a cooperative grocery store is all about member-owners pitching in to get the work done. In the process, we not only form a community, we create a means of community outreach to bring healthy food options, educational programming, and opportunities to gather and connect to everyone in the greater Kennett area.

Your membership is key. Encouraging others to join is key. Finding a way to pitch in is also key. From the easy – such as liking and sharing on social media – to the ambitious – such as heading up a fundraiser, there is a job for everyone.