The North-Missoula Community Development Corporation, the incubator of the food project, recently purchased 1.5-acre site on Missoula’s Westside in May of 2006. On a portion of the site is a 13,000 square foot freight-depot that we will remodel for a community food cooperative and a deli-kitchen. The kitchen, which may be used for job training in partnership with the Crime Victim Advocate's Program and the YWCA, will in off- hours, be available for use by members as a commercial production facility. Similarly, the seating area will serve as a shared-use community facility. The immediate neighborhood surrounding the property is currently a mix of old light industrial, large newer motel-style apartment buildings and several blocks of trailer housing.

All the land will remain a part of the North-Missoula Community Development Corporation's Land Stewardship Program and will thereby insure a bank of permanently affordable homes in association with the Market as a community center. The community land trust project will, beginning in May or June of 2007, break ground on 16 affordable town homes on the southern half of the site for sale to income-eligible households. Fed- Ex will likely lease the warehouse space from the NMCDC, until work on the housing begins.

The NMCDC, the co-op's parent organization and owner of the property, is dedicated to the mission of neighboorhood vitality, hence the committment to affordable housing and access to high quality, fresh and nutritious food -- at lower prices. Both the co-op and the NMCDC share a vision of democratic collaboration and the potential for collective resource sharing to meet the goal of safe, livable, and healthy communities.

Both organizations are working together to secure funding for the building renovation through grants and private funding. The NMCDC is seeking funding to develop the deli- kitchen and community center. The co-op will be launching a member loan campaign for inventory, systems and equipment. Both are working jointly on a large capital campaign to snap the shell of the building into shape. Needless to say, it's an exciting time. For more information, please read about our past and present Funding Sources.

So, what's happening now?

The co-op currently operates its small buying club in 1200 square feet of our new home. Buying club orders occur monthly, offering a diverse selection of local products and natural products from two distributors. The dedication of the Board of Directors and many committed, enthusiastic volunteers is the heart of the co-op's operations- from sorting on delivery day, to painting and planning our membership campaign. The vitality of this collective effort is what makes our co-op a true cooperative. To get involved in product research, buying club activity, outreach and media, facilities renovation, or fundraising, take a look at our calendar of events. Members are welcome to all meetings, and should you want to be on a regular e-mail list of any of the above committees, please contact Kate at 728-2369. We anticipate the expansion and diversification of our operations by June of 2007. We could use your help!