WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Organizers of Northside Food Co-op held a community meeting to discuss options for their affordable grocery store plan on Saturday morning.
They had recently put the plans on a pause earlier this year.
This comes after hearing the city sold a plot of land near their business site that would bring a bigger grocery store to the area.
The Food Co-op says they will still build a store but they just need to find time to do that.
“It’s our responsibility as a co-op based on the trust we built with the community that we build something that is sustainable,” says Cierra Williams, executive director of Northside food Co-op.
The executive director says they want to work on ideas to help bring more foot traffic.
“In terms of potential foot traffic and ultimately if you don’t have those things your store won’t survive,” says Washington.
Washington says they are considering moving it to a different location but keeping it on the Northside.
This is an option that could cost more, but it’s not a permanent decision yet.
They’re also thinking about adding a hot food counter inside the store.
This option would bring people into their store because it would be affordable and offer community opportunities.
“I think it will highlight our local culinary scene, which is pretty amazing, and it will allow us to create more jobs,” says Williams.
Williams says putting a pause on building will help them to receive community input on how to move forward.
She also says the county and New Hanover County Endowment, the people helping to fund the project, is still with them and are supportive of their actions.
They hope to honor their mission to increase access to nutritious and affordable food for everyone.
Northside Food Co-op says nothing is set in stone yet, and they are looking for community feedback.
They will meet with county leaders and the endowment at the end of the month to submit a final recommendation.
The community can stay involved by sharing thoughts at community meetings and talking one-on-one with organizers.
Northside Food Co-op will host a community dinner on April 24 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. That will take place at 901 Fanning Street.
Here is a timeline presented at the meeting:
April 7th – April 18th
Research best operational plan and location determination.
April 22nd
Store development committee meeting where market study consultants present data.
April 28th
Meeting with the county & endowment to submit the final recommendation for a path forward with hopes of moving forward after that.
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