FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOOD SHED CO-OP WINS USDA GRANT FOR THEIR COMMUNITY-OWNED GROCERY STORE

The Food Shed Co-op has reached a major milestone with the announcement that this soon-to-open community-owned, food-cooperative grocery store has been awarded a $20,350 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food Promotion Program. The grant will fund a market study, financial analysis and preliminary store design that will expedite the Food Shed Co-op’s store opening.  A food cooperative is owned by community members who have an equal and democratic vote on how the store is operated. The Food Shed Co-op’s mission is to build a grocery store in McHenry County that features locally grown and locally produced food, which will strengthen local and regional food relationships.  The Food Shed Co-op will promote a healthy, ethical, and resilient community. Emphasis will be on providing fairly-priced natural foods and products, which will be determined by the owners.  A wide range of organic choices will be available. The Food Shed Co-op expects to have more than 200 owners by the end of 2014, who will all share in the goal of having more control of the local food system.

Information about the Food Shed Co-op and its upcoming events can be found at www.foodshed.coop and on Facebook at “Food Shed Co-op.”  Learn more about the ownership drive with hashtag #215by2015.  Current owners will be participating in the first annual owner meeting and the election of board members in mid-October. You can meet the Food Shed Co-op Steering Team at the Green Living Expo that will be held at McHenry County College on November 1, 2014 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Below is an excerpt from the USDA Press Release which emphasizes the Food Shed Co-op mission http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2014%2F09%2F0216.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the award of over $52 million in support of the growing organic industry and local and regional food systems through five U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs…..

"Local and regional food systems are one of the pillars of our efforts to revitalize rural economies," said Secretary Vilsack. "Consumers are increasingly demanding more local and organic options. Investing in local and regional food systems supports the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, especially smaller operations, while strengthening economies in communities across the country. Today's announcements also improve access to fresh, healthy food for millions of Americans."

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