Ann Kozak of The Family Foundation School marketing staff reports that a small group of Hancock area residents met recently to begin researching the feasibility of a consumer food co-op in Hancock. The group, made up of village, town, and nearby Pennsylvania residents, would like to see healthier, more affordable food available locally. Many of them currently travel out of town to do their grocery shopping.
The idea of a food co-op, a community-based business which is owned and operated by its members, has the added benefit of keeping the money in the community. It would also give area farmers and producers a local outlet for their fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat, nuts, honey, syrup and other foodstuffs.
In exploring the feasibility of a co-op, the group will hold a public meeting within the next 60 days to introduce the concept and determine the community need and interest. If the support is there, the group will then proceed to finalize the business and financial details, decide on a location, secure the necessary legal and regulatory approvals, and sign up suppliers and members.
The date and location of the public meeting will be announced as soon as arrangements are finalized.
