BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After about a decade of organizing, fundraising and community outreach, the head of the Bethlehem Food Co-Op said it is on target to open this fall, likely in October.
Construction started last year on the future home of the community-owned grocery store at 250 East Broad St., Bethlehem.
Board Chairwoman Carol Ritter said the co-op will lease the entire first floor of the new building under construction at the site. Three floors of apartments will sit above the grocery store.
“New members, or customers” as Ritter said she likes to call them.
- After about a decade of work, the opening day for the Bethlehem Food Co-op is planned for fall
- Construction is underway at 250 E. Broad Street on a four-story building that will house the co-op and apartments
- The co-op is near to completing its pre-opening fundraising goal of just over $3 million
The co-op, which will be open to both members and the general public, had a fundraising goal of just over $3 million before opening. Ritter said it has nearly reached it.
“I'll be getting the numbers at our board meeting next week,” Ritter said, “but probably we need another $15,000 and ... so it won't be a problem.”
The co-op also is on-track when it comes to two other important metrics, Ritter said. It has now exceeded its goal of 1,250 dues-paying members, many having joined years before any possible opening of the store.
“Our goal was to reach that by opening, and we reached it in 2022, thanks to our great membership team,” Ritter said.
A sourcing committee for the co-op has completed its search for local food producers for the grocery’s opening, she said.
“We have reached out to the community for vendors, makers, farmers, people who would like to sell their wares… in the store,” Ritter said.
One example is Crooked Row Farm, an organic, woman-owned farm and farm stand based in Orefield, owned by Liz Wagner. Ritter said Wagner has been actively involved in the co-op for at least seven years.
The organization has one more goal for the start of 2023: “Fourteen new members in the month of February,” Ritter said.
To achieve that, the group has planned a Valentine-themed event for Feb. 1 at the Chocolate Lab on Main Street in Bethlehem.
“Anybody who joins the co-op that night will get a $10 gift card for the Chocolate Lab, as well as 10 percent off their purchases,” Ritter said.
