Join Our Team: Common Share Food Co-op Looking for Passionate Board Members – Amherst Indy

We’re living in challenging times, and many feel their freedoms are being threatened. But there’s a way to channel that energy: by joining the Common Share Food Cooperative. This isn’t just about opening a store; it’s about building food justice, supporting local farmers, and creating spaces that celebrate our community’s diversity.

Moving Forward Together

We’re closer than ever to opening our store! But we can’t do it alone. Our all-volunteer board—just three of us—needs your help. Many of you have asked, "When will the store open?" The answer is simple: we move at the speed of the community.

Right now, we’re looking to add eight new board members. This is crucial for us to sign lease documents, launch our fundraising campaign, and start hiring. You don’t need to have experience in grocery store openings. All we ask for is your commitment, skills, and a belief in our mission.

Why It Matters

Getting involved means you amplify the impact of our work. Research from the Cooperative Development Foundation shows that co-ops can boost local economies by retaining money within the community. A 2019 study highlighted that cooperative businesses generate about 25% more jobs than traditional businesses.

Join Our Community Meeting

We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Join us for a special meeting on April 15 at 6 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, or connect via Zoom. This is your chance to ask questions and explore how you can contribute.

Our Progress So Far

We’re actively negotiating a lease for a mixed-use building in an ideal location:

• Ground floor access for easy shopping
• Close to high-density housing
• On a main bus line, making it accessible for everyone
• Near local schools and other shops, fostering community engagement

To date, nearly 1,000 households have become member-owners (942, to be exact). We’ve also hired experts from UNFI to design our store’s layout, and our legal team is drafting important fundraising documents. Our business plan suggests we’ll be profitable, making this venture sustainable.

A Call to Action

It’s time to act. Together, we can build a thriving community grocery store that offers more than just food. Let’s create a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. We look forward to seeing you at our meeting and working together to make our vision a reality.

For more detailed information on food co-ops and how they uplift communities, check out this report by the National Cooperative Business Association.

Your participation can make a difference. Let’s move forward together!

Check out this related article: How You Can Help: Food Bank of East Alabama Seeks Community Support Amid USDA Funding Cuts