ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – What used to be an old Walgreens in downtown St. Johnsbury could turn into a community food hub for visitors and residents.
“From the very beginning, we have sold to co-ops — Hunger Mountain Co-op, Buffalo Mountain Co-op, Littleton Co-op — and we are not the only ones,” said Eric Skovsted with Joe’s Brook Farm in St. Johnsbury. He says he’s always looking for ways to connect more people with their produce and that a new co-op downtown is a great way to broaden their reach. “Most of the vegetable farms and other farms in the state find selling to co-ops to be one of the most profitable ways to market their products. It’s because the co-ops advocate for the farmer.”
The Caledonia Food Co-op, which has been years in the making, is an effort to place itself in the heart of St. Johnsbury. With the help of the community, the group has raised $350,0000 for a down payment on the space. The goal is to create 40 to 60 new jobs, provide and expand access to healthy food, and create revenue for local farms.
The town of St. Johnsbury decided to get on board and gave the project $150,000. “There had been a co-op in the past that was fairly small. This vision of getting a new cooperative open, the model is attractive. They are successful in other towns, they do draw people in. I think it could be a successful driver for the downtown,” said St. Johnsbury Town Manager Chad Whitehead.
Folks we spoke with agree. “We are really passionate about local organic eating. I think St. Johnsbury has a pretty strong agricultural past. I think people locally deserve to have access to food that is produced close by,” said Laurie Brady of Waterbury Center.
The group must secure the building with a full payment by April 1.