The Latest News
We had a very busy spring with the first round of our Community Investment Program (CIP)! Our Owners had an opportunity to invest in building DuPage County’s first and only cooperatively owned grocery store. We have had strong support from our community to date, including:
- 1500+ Owners initially invested $200 to become Founding Owners
- Lease signed for 109 S. Main - a premier site at below-market rates
- Over $1 million pledged and paid in our first nine-week Community Investment Program (CIP)
- $1.2M bank loan in underwriting
- Site construction started and store design underway!
We’ve never been closer and want you to own part of Prairie Food Co-op with us! We need to raise additional funds by November 15, 2021, to make the store a reality. Get more details on our Community Investment Program here.
Additionally our Owners have been out in the community volunteering at local events such as the Lombard Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing and Intelligentsia Cup, and will be at the Taste of Glen Ellyn. Come find us - look for our PFC shirts!
Community Investment Program
Our CIP is your opportunity to invest, separate from becoming an Owner, and build a thriving business that will serve our community for generations to come. The more our community invests, the less we need in costly bank loans, and the better our financial outlook.
What is Prairie Food Co-op?
Our mission is to open a member-owned, full-service grocery store in the heart of Lombard.
A cooperative is a member-owned and member-controlled business that operates for the mutual benefit of all member-owners (in this case, great local food and a healthy community). Owners purchase a share in the co-op, thereby enjoying several benefits and responsibilities as owners of the store. Owners may receive special discounts once the store opens.
Prairie Food Co-op will specialize in local, sustainable, and organic food, produce, and personal care items, with a mix of conventional items to fill in the gaps. We are about providing healthy choices, and also about building and caring for our community. Co-ops return close to 40% more of their revenue back to the community, as compared to conventional grocery stores.
Read more about Prairie Food Co-op's Mission >>.