by Timothy Rutt
The (Altadenablog sponsor) Arroyo Food Co-op reached an important milestone by signing up its 500th member earlier this week.
“We are very excited to reach this milestone,” said Tricia Keane, President of the Co-op’s Board of Directors, in a press release. “We have 500 friends in our corner rooting for us to get this store open, which means we are that much closer to bringing local, sustainable, and just plain good food to the community.”
Who the magic 500th member will actually be will be determined in a drawing of recently signed-up members.
With 500 members on board, the co-op is planning to launch a capital campaign and commit to a location for the community market. The co-op is planning to seek funding thorugh a combination of member investments, member loans, and grants. It has also engaged a local realtor to scout for commercial location in Altadena or northern Pasadena, with a goal to open in the first quarter of 2013.
“The goal of 500 members seemed daunting, nearly impossible, when we first started out,” said co-op founder Patrick Reagan, in a release from the co-op, “but today we see that the community has clearly stated that they’re willing to invest in a better option. Reaching this impressive goal is very encouraging for all of us early adopters. It should also help encourage others to join in on the fun – the building of a wonderful local grocery store we all can be proud of.”
The co-op is setting itself up as an alternative to large chain grocers, including the Altadena Walmart Neighborhood Market which is also planning to open in the first quarter of 2013.
The co-op promises to offer organic, sustainably-raised, and locally sourced products, including humanely-raised meats. Anyone can shop at the co-op, but those who become members receive additional benefits, including "patronage refunds" during profitable years. Membership is $300, but also offers a payment plan of as low as $30 a year.
The help raise awarenss of the co-op, it is planning to hold a "locavore dinner" event on Aug. 11 in Altadena, featuring locally-sourced food prepared by a professional chef.
For more information on the co-op: http://arroyofoodcoop.com/
For information on the locavore dinner: http://arroyofoodcoop.com/locavore
