Aliquippa Food Co-op prepares for community launch with $150K USDA grant
May 22, 2025 | Beaver County, Pennsylvania
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The Beaver County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 22, 2025, highlighted significant progress on the Aliquippa Food Co-op, a community-driven initiative aimed at enhancing food access and security in the area. The co-op, which has been in development for two years, is designed to empower local residents by providing a grocery store that prioritizes locally sourced foods and community ownership.
During the meeting, a representative from the food council shared updates on the co-op's progress, including the acquisition of a building at 1210 Franklin Avenue, which will serve as its future home. The co-op has secured several grants, including a $150,000 USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant, to support its establishment. The council is currently awaiting architectural proposals and has completed a civil engineering assessment for the site.
A kickoff block party is planned for June 16 at Sound the Alarm Church, where community members can learn more about the co-op, vote on board members, and participate in fun activities. The co-op aims to open its doors in 2027, with a vision of circulating local dollars and reducing reliance on external food systems, especially in light of disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative also seeks to involve local farmers and food producers, ensuring that the co-op offers a variety of fresh, nutritious options. Additionally, a youth group called the Aliquippa Food Force has been formed to provide input on the co-op's offerings and operations, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in community decisions.
As the co-op moves forward, the board is actively seeking new members with skills in bookkeeping, accounting, and legal expertise to help guide its development. A one-time lifetime membership fee of $250 will be required, with flexible payment options available to encourage community participation.
This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering community pride and self-sufficiency in Aliquippa, as residents work together to create a sustainable food source that benefits everyone.
During the meeting, a representative from the food council shared updates on the co-op's progress, including the acquisition of a building at 1210 Franklin Avenue, which will serve as its future home. The co-op has secured several grants, including a $150,000 USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant, to support its establishment. The council is currently awaiting architectural proposals and has completed a civil engineering assessment for the site.
A kickoff block party is planned for June 16 at Sound the Alarm Church, where community members can learn more about the co-op, vote on board members, and participate in fun activities. The co-op aims to open its doors in 2027, with a vision of circulating local dollars and reducing reliance on external food systems, especially in light of disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative also seeks to involve local farmers and food producers, ensuring that the co-op offers a variety of fresh, nutritious options. Additionally, a youth group called the Aliquippa Food Force has been formed to provide input on the co-op's offerings and operations, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in community decisions.
As the co-op moves forward, the board is actively seeking new members with skills in bookkeeping, accounting, and legal expertise to help guide its development. A one-time lifetime membership fee of $250 will be required, with flexible payment options available to encourage community participation.
This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering community pride and self-sufficiency in Aliquippa, as residents work together to create a sustainable food source that benefits everyone.
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