June 20, 2011
Dear owner-members,
Owners of the Clear Creek Food Co-op affirmed their gratitude for the unique and wholesome products, generous educational culture, and niche of specialized services provided by their Co-op at an owner-member meeting on June 16. Twenty-three members and one guest speaker gathered for two hours at the Co-op to discuss the Co-op’s future, financial reality, and the challenges of limited resources.
After dire predictions that the Co-op would be out of business by July due to rising food and transportation costs, as well as slow summer sales, Co-op board and staff members reached out to all owners for a realistic assessment of owners’ priorities and commitment. In 2009 the Co-op’s owners voted to move to the heart of Richmond in 2009, and with only $19,000 in start-up capital, the Co-op has been reaching out to new customers, owners and community partners for 18 successful, exciting months.
There is a plan to get through lean summer months, the Co-op needs to raise $8000. To reincorporate as a non-profit (thereby increasing access to funding, especially grants for the Co-op’s extensive educational efforts), the Co-op needs to raise approximately $4000. To replace the large fridge that has been breaking down regularly (and has now completely died), the Co-op needs to raise $5000.
Clear Creek Food Co-op is a natural foods store located in downtown Richmond, Indiana. Our mission is to provide healthy food and high quality products to our members and the local community.