By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,720)

The Portland Food Coop (PFC) is excited to announce that it recently exceeded 1,000 member-owners and is ahead of schedule to reach the 1,400 member-owners it needs to open a storefront location at 290 Congress Street in September of 2014, according to a press release issued today.  Since it launched its Let’s Open the Doors campaign in October, it has signed up more than 600 new member-owners.

“It’s exciting that so many people have decided to get behind this project so quickly and that its generating such enthusiasm in the community,” said PFC President, Daniel Ungier.  “Meeting our member-owners goal of 1,400 is important in several ways  The capital investment it raises with each $100. share is critical, as is building the customer base we need to make the store financially successful.  But more than that, it’s an affirmation of what we’ve believed for a long time – that the community has a strong desire to have a cooperatively owned grocery store in Portland. a store that is committed to supporting the local economy by providing the widest selection of products grown and made locally.”

In January, PFC announced that the store would occupy two units at 290 Congress Street (the Rite Aid plaza near India Street).  Plans for the interior design are nearly completed, refrigerators and freezers will be ordered within a month and the plans are to be gin its renovations in late spring.  A national search for a General Manager is also underway. The store will create an estimated 20 jobs, the press release said.

PFC will be hosting a reception and film from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Space Gallery.  It will be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Portland Food Co-op.

Please visit www.PortlandFoodCo-op.org for more details.