By BRAD DICKERSON
GLASGOW — Work continues to bring in a food cooperative to Barren and surrounding counties.
Kimberly Page, chairperson for the co-op steering committee, said a representative with Cooperative Development Services has been contracted to do a feasibility study.
The study is scheduled to take place at the end of October.
It is the latest step toward getting a local co-op, which follows the first community meeting on Sept. 22.
“We want to focus on local,” Page said. “Local is a very key thing for us.”
The proposal presented to the 32 attendees at the meeting said the storefront would offer fresh local, natural and organic produce, as well as perishable and non-perishable whole foods.
Plans are also to have a cafe that will feature a smoothie, juice and espresso bar, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries.
This is similar to the mentor co-op store, Good Foods Market & Cafe of Lexington.
Page said the store would also feature works by area individuals, such as those who make their own soap.
“We really want to be able to help out the local artisan,” she said.
Page added that right now they are not incorporated, but expect to have that finalized in the next few weeks.
Once incorporated, the committee can sell stock in the store, according to minutes from the September meeting. That price is set at $200 per share and each family (husband, wife and children) constitutes one owner.
Although stock cannot officially be sold yet, individuals can invest their money toward the purchase of shares.
“We had almost $2,500 in contributions toward stock,” Page said.
She added that one of the benefits of owning stock is the partner rebate, which allows the member to a get a five percent refund from the total amount they purchased during the quarter.
In August, Page said around 500 surveys were distributed in reference to the idea of a food co-op. Of those, over 100 were returned, with a 23 percent positive response.
Another community meeting is set for Oct. 30 at Calvary Baptist Church to continue getting feedback from residents on the proposal.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Dr. Derek Oldenkamp, a steering committee member. “It’s going to not only bring public awareness to health and nutrition, but also help area farmers.”
