For 660 current coop members in the Stowe to Warren corridor, this is a
chance to have our coop a bit closer to home, increasing convenient
access to local, organic and natural foods while decreasing our carbon
footprint with fewer trips to Montpelier! Complementing the efforts of
the Waitsfield Farmers' Market and other Valley businesses who serve
natural foods, this would make buying local, healthy foods easier than
ever. It would also provide a new outlet for area growers and producers
to sell their products.
The time is right for the coop to come to Waterbury. Hunger Mountain
Coop's market research identified Waterbury as a very favorable location
for a second store. The nine-member coop council will weigh all the
factors and decide on August 17 whether or not to put opening a second
store to a vote of the member-owners.
We encourage supporters of this plan from the Mad River Valley to join
with us in making it a reality. There are a number of things you can do:
If you are not yet a member of the coop or have let your membership
lapse, now is the time to renew. All adult members of the household who
benefit from the coop are encouraged to become members. Nothing shows
the support for bringing this store to town like a huge influx in area
membership.
Let general manager Kari Bradley and the coop council know what having
this store in Waterbury would mean to you. There were few if any people
from The Valley who attended the community forums in Waterbury or in
Montpelier to voice their opinion. Email your thoughts to
Talk to your neighbors and encourage them to become voting members and
to speak up as well. Stay in touch with the WDFC for further actions and
check out our website at www.wdfoodcouncil.org.
Rick Scharf lives in Duxbury.
