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Who We Are

About

The goal of the Indy Food Cooperative, Inc. is to open a full line grocery store that will serve the greater Indianapolis area. The store will carry a wide selection of:

History

In 2007, a group of people dedicated to a better, healthier grocery option in Indianapolis began meeting informally at first. This steering committee of individuals representing many neighborhoods and groups across Indianapolis and especially the downtown and near eastside areas, met regularly as a steering committee to get a food cooperative project off the ground.

In the winter of 2007-2008, three visioning sessions were held to gauge broader community interest in the project and begin honing exactly what the coop might look like and what needs it would serve. It was then agreed that it would be a non-profit, storefront grocery store near downtown Indianapolis. A mission and vision statement were developed.

In the summer of 2008, the group formalized by incorporating as Indy Food Cooperative, Inc. (Indy Food Coop) and became the first board of directors of the organization.

Also in summer 2008, the group raised funds to complete a market study with a California-based food cooperative consultant. The study results are assisting the board in the size and scope of the facility, as well as possible locations. The market study also became the basis of the organization's business plan.

Founding 150 Membership Event

On November 8, 2008, the Indy Food Coop held its Founding 150 membership kick-off at an event held at the Earth House Collective. Over 200 people attended to learn about the coop, eat snacks provided by Endangered Species Chocolate and JSReutz and listen to original music by local singer-songwriter Sarah Grain. They also had an opportunity to help name the store. Since the kick-off, over 50 member households have joined the effort and more are signing on every day.

A Neighborhood Market Convenient to All

The Indy Food Coop is actively working to secure a building near Indianapolis' downtown. The organization believes that bring the Indy Food Coop to an urban neighborhood can be pivotal the revitalization of the city's neighborhoods not currently served by a grocery that provides healthy food options. The locations being sought offer easy access from I-65, I-70 and I-465, as well as convenience to those working and living in and around downtown and the near eastside. An ideal location will also provide easy bicycle access off of the Monon Trail and the New York Street/Michigan Street bike lanes, as well as easily accessible by foot or by city bus.

There is still a lot of work to be done between now and the time we open our doors in the fall of 2009. Get involved in one of our active board subcommittees to help us focus on specific needs of the coop start-up. Those committees include:

*With the exception of the Executive Committee made up only of Board officers, anyone can volunteer to serve on committees and help with the start-up efforts.

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