The Grand Rapids Food Co-op has made significant strides in 2024, focusing on community engagement, financial growth, and preparations for future expansion. This report summarizes our key achievements and ongoing initiatives from January-November 2024.
Membership Growth
Our co-op has experienced remarkable growth in ownership:
- 282 new owner households joined in the past year, versus 87 in 2023
- This represents over 300% increase compared to 2023
Financial Overview
Site Selection
The co-op is actively searching for and evaluating potential sites for a physical store location with the help of Fancy Real Estate.
Key considerations include:
- Limited supermarket access areas (USDA designated)
- Visibility and retail synergy
- On-site parking and accessibility
- Growth potential and cost of improvements
- Store design potential and delivery vehicle access
Major milestones ahead include lease-signing, breaking ground, and store opening.
Volunteering for Site Selection circle is by invitation only and is highly confidential due to the competitiveness of the market and high risks of being outbid or having potential locations leaked to competitors.
Community Outreach Initiatives
South East Farmers Market (SEAFM)
In combination of a grant, and partnership with Our Kitchen Table, Blackbird Farms, and Blandford Nature Center, the co-op:
- Resold produce at farmer’s prices
- Donated excess to Community Food Club
- Improved market attendance and fresh produce availability
- Developed deeper connections with local farmers
Creston Farmers Market (CFM)
- Started by several co-op owners and community members
- Partnered with Creston Neighborhood Association and other local organizations
- Grew to include up to 30 vendors, mostly Grand Rapids-based local farms and businesses
- Will be operating weekly in 2025
Marketing and Outreach
The marketing circle has expanded to 6 active members, focusing on:
- Website redesign and migration
- Enhanced social media presence
- Improving regular newsletters and marketing materials
- Plans to implement customer relationship management (CRM) software in 2025
Supportive Businesses Program
The co-op has garnered support from local businesses:
- 5 Platinum Level Businesses
- 18 Gold & Silver Level Businesses
These businesses offer discounts to co-op owners and help promote co-op membership among their employees.
Comprenew offers a 10% discount on purchased product to co-op owners
Earthly Refillery offers a 15% discount for co-op owners
Local Eyes Ads offers the co-op a discount to distribute our fliers
Lotus Brew Coffee and Dry Bar offers a $1 drink discount to co-op owners
Pure Hot Yoga offers a discount on packages
Sister Hawk Farm offers a 10% discount on all purchases to co-op members. You can find them at the Ada Farmers Market every Tuesday from June 25th-September 24th.
Read more about supportive businesses
In-reach Activities
The co-op organizes various events to foster community among members, including:
- Meet-ups at Fulton Street Farmers Market
- Family walks at local parks
- Co-op Annual Picnic
- Family bike ride nights
Looking Ahead
The Grand Rapids Food Co-op is preparing for a Community Investment Campaign and continues to seek 50+ volunteers for various roles across finance, inreach, outreach, and marketing.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of providing accessible, healthy food options to the Grand Rapids community while supporting local farmers and businesses.