Newsletter: November 2025

The Mushroom Messenger

KCG Monthly Newsletter: November 2025

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:

What's the Board Been Up To?

The KCG Board is busier than ever these days working on plans for our future store — coordinating with local farmers and producers (see KCG in the News update below), pursuing grants, and preparing for the next phase of development by learning all we can from our consultations with the Argus Farm Stop Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We've been so busy, in fact, that you may have noticed The Mushroom Messenger took a hiatus last month to focus on other efforts. Each of our working teams – Communications, Membership, Store & Property, and Events – is putting in many hours to develop our community presence and plan for the day when the store will open. And we can always use more helping hands...

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Our Board meetings will move to Zoom for the winter months and public participation is welcome. Join us at the next one on Monday, November 10 at 7:00 PM on Zoom (reply to this email to request the link).

Chili Cook-off Updates 🌶️

The 2026 Chili Cook-Off is heating up!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 7, 2026, when the Kennett Community Grocer Chili Cook-Off returns to Loch Nairn Farm for a night of flavor, fun, and friendly competition. Ticket sales will launch this holiday season.
 

Meet the First Wave of Competitors

We’re thrilled to introduce the restaurants joining the showdown! Each brings their own unique flavor and flair. Get ready for a seriously delicious showdown — we can’t wait for you to taste what they’re cooking up!

Café Emis, Kennett High School, Letty's Tavern, Mary Pat's Provisions, The Naked Olive, Sweet Amelia's

Stay tuned for chef profile (coming soon) — the lineup is spicy!
 

Be Part of the Action — Volunteer with Us!

Want to help bring this year’s Chili Cook-Off to life? We’re still looking for volunteers to support ✨ key areas ✨ like sponsorship outreach, raffle baskets, and event logistics.

Whether you can pitch in for a single project or stay involved through event day, there’s a place for you on the team (and plenty of fun along the way!).

👉 Email KCG.Chili.Cookoff@gmail.com to get involved.
 

Sponsor Outreach Launching Soon

We’re also kicking off sponsorship outreach. This is your chance to support a great cause and gain community exposure!

This year’s $2,500 Presenting Sponsor level includes exclusive banner recognition over State Street in downtown Kennett Square during February, along with premium visibility before, during, and after the event.

Sponsorships are processed as tax-deductible donations through our nonprofit, Friends of Kennett Food Co-op.

👉 Want to learn more or reserve your spot? Email us at KCG.Chili.Cookoff@gmail.com.

Membership Ever-growing

We’re just 16 members away from hitting our Founding 500 milestone! Let’s reach 500 before the end of December.

As of today, we have 484 Member-Owners—a strong, growing community that believes in supporting local farmers and producers, investing in a stronger food system, and building a store we can all be proud of.

When you join now, your name will be honored in the future store—a lasting tribute to the early members who helped make this vision a reality. 

Already a Member-Owner?  You can help us grow by inviting a neighbor or friend to join!

BECOME A MEMBER-OWNER TODAY

KCG in the News

We’re excited to share that KCG was recently featured in the Chester County Press!

The article recaps our September 23rd  Farmer/Producer Information Night, highlighting what drives KCG and how our direct farm-to-consumer business model will support local farmers and strengthen Chester County’s agricultural economy.

A key takeaway: “Chester County is an agricultural community... If we as citizens want to take care of our farmers, we’re going to build a store like this.”Edie Burkey

To clarify one point from the article: while a lease offer has been made and we’re optimistic about the potential location, the agreement is still under review. We’ll share official news once it’s finalized!

SPECIAL FEATURE:

November is a time to reflect on what matters most — community, connection, and the future we want to build together.  At Kennett Community Grocer, we’re doing just that: creating a member-owned grocery store that supports local farmers and producers, puts food you can trust on our shelves, and keeps food dollars where they belong — right here in Chester County.

This month, as we approach Giving Tuesday (December 2), we're asking for your generosity to help bring that vision to life.  Every dollar you donate will help us open the store as close to debt-free as possible — ensuring KCG’s long-term stability and protecting it from the financial challenges that have burdened many other co-ops across the country.
 

💛 Here’s how you can support:

  • Direct gift to KCG:  
    Make a donation directly to KCG (online, check, or cash) and 100% goes toward building the store.
  • Tax-deductible gift via our nonprofit: 
    Make a donation to Friends of Kennett Food Co‑op (check or cash; online platform launching soon); 100% goes toward building the store.
    • Friends of Kennett Food Co-op is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission of supporting Kennett Community Grocer and providing community education regarding eating healthy, locally grown and produced foods.
  • Tax-deductible Employer match, Donor Advised Fund gift, or Stock gift via our fiscal sponsor: 
    Donate to our fund designation at Cooperative Fund of CDS (online or check); 90% goes toward building the store.
GIVE TODAY

🌱 What your gift accomplishes:

Your contribution helps us...

  • Cover pre-opening expenses and early operational costs
  • Fund equipment and infrastructure for a financially secure, debt-light launch
  • Build a strong, sustainable foundation that supports local farmers and producers for years to come

This Giving Tuesday (and beyond), your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment.  Together, we can open a grocery store that brings food you can trust to Chester County — and keeps food dollars rooted in our local economy.  Will you join us in making our local food future brighter?


With gratitude and hope,
The Board of Kennett Community Grocer


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Newsletter: September 2025