Newsletter: August 2026

THE MUSHROOM MESSENGER KCG Monthly Newsletter: August 2026 Bringing you the monthly news of Kennett Community Grocer, your community-owned grocery store in the making, committed to local products, community, and culture. Hello Member-Owners and Friends! In this edition: Construction Progress Hangry Bear Back-to-School Ice Cream Social Membership Update Ways to support KCG The Rachel Report: Building Our Product Assortment What the Board’s Been Up To After months of planning and preparation, construction is officially underway at 629 E. Cypress Street! Demolition began on July 20th, marking an exciting milestone as we transform the space into Kennett Community Grocer. We're proud to be working with Mobac, Inc., a Kennett Square construction company with more than 50 years of experience. Their team is helping bring our vision to life, and we couldn't be more excited to watch our future store take shape! SPONSOR EQUIPMENT It takes a lot more than groceries to open a grocery store! From shelving and refrigeration to checkout equipment and fixtures, every piece plays an important role in creating a welcoming shopping experience. By sponsoring equipment, you're helping turn an empty space into Kennett Community Grocer. Sponsor Equipment UPCOMING EVENTS Hangry Bear Back-to-School Ice Cream Social & Fundraiser Thursday, August 27 🍦 Join us for our Back-to-School Ice Cream Social! Celebrate the end of summer with friends, family, and delicious ice cream at Hangry Bear Craft Creamery on Thursday, August 27th, from 5:30–8:30 PM. Hangry Bear will generously donate 15% of all food and ice cream sales to Friends of Kennett Food Co-op, the nonprofit organization supporting the development of Kennett Community Grocer. Come enjoy a sweet treat, connect with the community, and help support KCG. There will be outdoor games and coloring activities!   Can't wait to see you there! 💚 📍 660 E. Cypress St., Suite 101, Kennett Square, PA 19348 looking ahead 🚜 Fall Farm Tour We're exploring a guided tour of several local farms this fall. The event is being planned as both an educational experience and a fundraiser, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about the farms and producers that make our local food system so special. 🌶️ Third Annual KCG Chili Contest Planning is also underway for the return of our Third Annual KCG Chili Contest! More information about this popular community event will be shared in the coming months. Stay tuned for additional details on these events in upcoming newsletters and on our social media channels! MEMBERSHIP EVER GROWING Our cooperative continues to grow thanks to the support of our member-owners. We currently have 536 member-owners and hope to reach 600 by the end of the year. Every new member strengthens Kennett Community Grocer and brings us one step closer to opening our doors. If you're already a member-owner, thank you for believing in this project and helping make it possible. Know someone who shares our vision? Invite them to become a member-owner and help us continue growing our community-owned grocery store. Become a member-owner The Rachel Report Monthly updates from your Store Manager, Rachel Sanchez Building our product assortment has been one of the biggest projects leading up to opening day. Every product is carefully evaluated to make sure it reflects the values of KCG and contributes to a thoughtful, well-rounded shopping experience. Local First: Prioritizing producers near Kennett Square and local ingredient sourcing. Quality & Value: Choosing products that offer a high-quality, balanced and accessible selection for our shoppers. Community Growth: Supporting local makers—for many, KCG will be their very first retail storefront! Giving a new product a place on our shelves is an exciting opportunity for all of us. As these local producers grow alongside KCG, their products and presentation will continue to evolve! Our Shelves Are Filling Up! Click any logo below to connect with them online! GET INVOLVED Want to help bring Kennett Community Grocer to life? Attend an upcoming event Become a member-owner Volunteer with KCG Sponsor equipment for the store Make a donation Share KCG with your friends and neighbors There are many ways to support our community-owned grocery store, and every contribution makes a difference. Volunteer with KCG JOIN THE COMMUNITY!