The Cambridge Food Co-op was founded in 1978 to provide wholesome local food to the residents of Battenkill Valley. To keep up with growing demand, the store expanded to a larger location in 2009, with support from the Community Loan Fund.
The new building, located on Main Street in Cambridge boasted twice as much retail space as the old 500-square foot store. They were able to purchase the building in 2014, and this year, this busy non-profit organization began tackling some capital improvement projects.
To begin, the Co-op compiled a list of repairs and improvements and categorized them as critical, needed or wanted. Critical items included repairs to exterior siding, purchase and replacement of interior door, masonry repairs to building exterior, replacement windows, and improvements to the walk-in cooler to the rear of the building.
With assistance from the Community Loan Fund, the co-op was able to address several of these critical items this summer and fall. Workers installed a new outside entrance to the basement, installed new second floor windows, replaced brickwork on the east and west sides of the building, and constructed a new drainage system to carry rainwater away from the foundation.
“Heavy spring rains caused delays in the masonry and siding work, but it got done,” Building Committee Chair Charlie Reiss said in the store newsletter. “Though there were initial delays in permitting the foundation work and installation of the Bilco door, we got those sorted out, and we are pleased with the results.”
Additional projects will be tackled in the new year.
The co-op serves members and the general public, selling organic, natural and ecofriendly products. The store carries produce, dairy, eggs, fish, beans and grains, coffee, tea, spices, and prepared foods. The Co-op also hosts several events and workshops throughout the year.
