Prairie Food Co-op Launches Naming Opportunities as Part of it’s Community Investment Program to Fund Storefront

Prairie Food Co-op raised over $1 million from the DuPage community as part of it’s nine-week spring Community Investment Program. To build upon that success, Prairie Food Co-op has added unique Naming Opportunities for local organizations, businesses, and benefactors to leave a lasting legacy as part of it’s fall Community Investment campaign.

“Maybe you’re an avid bicyclist and want to put your name on our bicycle rack. Or you’re a local brewer or wine enthusiast and would love for people to think of you when they enjoy a local brew? Consider putting your name on our Beer and Wine section! Or if you value community education and engagement, a great place for your name would be in our indoor cafe and classroom,” says Outreach Coordinator, Jerry Nash.

Prairie Food Co-op has been organizing since 2012 to open a community-owned, full service grocery store that will focus on selling local, organic, and sustainably produced food to retain and generate wealth within the local economy, employ 35-50 local residents, and spawn 10-12 new food-centric small businesses.

“Prairie Food Co-op will be a bright beautiful grocery store where anyone can shop. In addition to a weekly trip to stock your pantries, Prairie Food Co-op will be a destination for community gatherings, seasonal farmers markets, and educational workshops on healthy food preparation, meal planning, utilizing bulk foods, and more,” says Board President, Kathy Nash.

In late 2020, Prairie Food Co-op signed a 10-year lease with Holladay Properties for a 10,000 square foot building at 109 S. Main Street, Lombard, that will house the first, and only, community owned grocery store in DuPage County.  Construction on the site has begun and is expected to be complete by the end of 2022. 

With over 1500 Owners from all over DuPage County, Prairie Food Co-op invites all community members in the DuPage area to consider Prairie Food Co-op ownership, which is a one-time investment of $200. Ownership earns you a democratic vote in the running of the co-op plus certain perks, discounts, and benefits when the store is open.

“We are proud that over 30% of our Owners pledged more than $1M in our initial campaign, but we are still short of our goal,” said Kathy Nash. Prairie Food Co-op requires $4.4 million to fund the build-out, hire employees, stock shelves, and open the  store. 

To date, a total of $2.4 million has been secured via community investment and a bank loan.  With over half the funds secured for the project, Prairie Food Co-op encourages the community to reach out soon to learn more about the Naming Opportunities and Community Investment Program.

Additional information about Prairie Food Co-op and upcoming events can be found online at www.prairiefood.coop/events