Newsletter: September 2019

CO-OP NEWS As we continue to build momentum we are needing more of you to give little bits of your time to making the co-op become a reality. We, the board, and a handful of dedicated volunteers have been propelling this march forward, but now is the time for you to step up and give a few hours here or drop a mention about the co-op in your next conversation or social media post. Here are a few super practical ways you can start to get involved. Volunteer for a 3 or 4 hour chunk of time at our booth at the Unionville Community Fair October 5 or 6. We will have all the materials and coach you through the process beforehand. Join one of our committee meetings (see dates below) and share your insights into our community. At our last Events Committee meeting, a new member-owner shared all the FB group pages in Landenberg we never knew we should be a part of. This super practical information you have, is huge for spreading the word! Committee meetings are also where you get to help develop our strategy and see the needs first hand that we are looking to address. Share our social media posts on your personal page. This is just how some of you learned about the co-op and joined the effort! And it’s an easy way to spread the word and start conversations with friends and family. Write your own post on social media sharing why you are a part of the co-op and tag @KennettSquareFoodCoop Now that's not so hard! Join the fun. Email us if you have questions or want to help out with one of our upcoming community events in October. Teaser: Big things are going to be happening starting in December. Get yourself to a committee or board meeting to find out early! BECOME A MEMBER OWNER Ensure that our local community owned grocer becomes a reality. Become a member owner today. A one time investment of $300 is all it takes to make sure that this community that prides itself in local, sustainable, and community focused efforts has a grocery store that embodies those values and that you as a part of this community have a place that is accessible and trustworthy to shop at. Join us! You can choose a one time investment of $300 or 12 payments of $25 to make it easier on your budget. MEMBER OWNER SPOTLIGHT KRISTIN + ANTHONY PROTO (and kids) We have lived in the Kennett/West Grove area for 10 years now. We have deep roots here as some of my husband's family immigrated to this community over 100 years ago, when his great-grandparents came to America from Italy. His grandfather is a first-generation American, and worked in the mushroom farms as a youth (much like our students at The Garage!) His grandparents grew up on Meredith Street and Birch Street and were married after World War II. They have always lived in the Chester County area, and we are honored to be a part of their legacy and this community.  We decided to become member owners because nutrition and food sourcing is an important issue for our family. My husband is truly a farmer at heart, and we have a slightly outrageous garden at home. We enjoy knowing where our food comes from and sustaining the local economy and community with all of our purchases. We work diligently to grow as much of our own food as possible, and spend many summer and fall weekends preserving the harvest. We love that our children work alongside us and enjoy the fruits of their own labor and love for fresh produce.  We can't wait until the co-op opens!!! When I lived in Pittsburgh, I frequented the East End Food Co-op, and it was such an amazing community space. There were always events and activities, and we can't wait to see what fun things the Kennett Food Co-op will host! I am most looking forward to buying grains and other items in bulk and with our own containers too. It pains me to see the amount of packaging waste that we throw away and I am excited to have an alternative in the near future! GET INVOLVED! We are looking forward to you joining us as a member owner! Go HERE to learn the details and officially become a part of this movement. Then take the next step to spread the word and build excitement and momentum around the co-op. We need your enthusiasm and involvement to make sure our doors open as quickly as possible. Plan to attend a committee meeting to give your input and get plugged in. BOARD MEETING: Monday, October 14 @ 7PM at The Market at Liberty Place EVENTS COMMITTEE: Tuesday, October 22 @ 7 PM at The Market at Liberty Place MARKETING: Sunday, October 13 @ 3:30PM  at Philter     President's Report        With the holiday season almost upon us, the Co-op will be celebrating in style with some new exciting changes, fun events, and most importantly, celebrating our Member-Owners! We have some big things happening and we can’t wait to share it with you!  So be sure to keep an eye out for news and updates and we hope you’ll join us as we continue to grow our Kennett co-op community.  The Co-Op Out and About Town First Friday Farmer's Market Friday, October 4th 3-7 PM We will be back at the Farmer's Market, come help us and share your love for your future community grocer! We walked in the Mushroom Festival Parade!