STRIVING TOWARD THE GOAL >>>

As most who follow such things (definitely still a minority, sadly) know, the Tacoma Food Co-op (the organization) has been seriously discussing the idea of purchasing retail space on Sixth Avenue near The Red Hot - more specifically, the 6th Avenue Market. This would provide a physical spot for the Tacoma Food Co-op to exist, which after countless hours spent by co-op volunteers and organizers is the next step in the process.

However, the plan is no slam dunk - and, as is life, will probably come down to dollars and cents. The Tacoma Food Co-op sent out this email today to keep members and supporters in the loop on where the process is at:

Tacoma Food Co-Op Begins Raising Funds for Purchase of 6th Ave Market Location

Store purchase and membership drive focus of upcoming Coffee Talks

After several months of researching and discussing various locations and finance options for the future Tacoma Food Co-op retail store, the TFC board of directors has formally chosen to pursue the Neighborhood Market location on 6th Avenue and has launched a membership and fundraising effort to purchase the store.

"We've spent a lot of time making sure this location is the best option for our members and our community," says Corrinne Henderson, Board President. "This is a popular location with a seller who is offering us an incredible deal. Now it's up to our members to help us raise the funds."

TFC is currently in the development and planning stages of opening a cooperatively-run store providing local, fresh, natural and organic foods and goods. In the past couple of months the Tacoma Food Co-op Board of Directors has been focused almost exclusively on researching the financial and retail options associated with the Neighborhood Market location. John Loesch, current owner of Neighborhood Market, has indicated two other interested buyers and though he prefers to see the co-op move into the store, plans to accept an offer from one of the three parties at the end of February. Henderson says this makes the TFC's fundraising efforts all the more urgent.

"We've set some pretty ambitious goals for the month of February in orders to ensure Neighborhood Market remains a viable option for us," she says.

Loesh has indicated a willingness to accept $10,000 in earnest money along with a contingency offer that would allow TFC to secure the location while it raises the rest of the funds.

TFC currently has just over 300 members, and as part of its fundraising efforts, has made a February goal of reaching 400 members. Board members are hosting several informational and orientation meetings throughout February and encourages anyone interested in joining or learning more to attend.

For more information about the meetings, please email

casandra@tacomafoodcoop.com.

• Thursday Feb, 10: 5-6pm at Shakabrah Java (2618 6th Ave).  Please arrive at 4:30 if you'd like to order food.
• Saturday Feb, 12: 1130am-1230pm at Tully's Coffee (24 N Tacoma Ave) in the upstairs loft
• Tuesday Feb, 15: 8-9pm Webinar*
• Saturday Feb, 19: 12-1pm: Bella Latte (6450 Tacoma Mall Blvd)
• Thursday Feb, 24: 7-8pm Webinar*
• Monday Feb, 28: 6-7pm Greener Bean (1039 Regents Blvd)

*= For webinar link please see our website, www.tacomafoodcoop.com