Tri-Cities Food Co-op opens in Richland
Special event on Nov. 23 to supply food for Thanksgiving meals
The Tri-Cities Food Co-op’s first phase will focus on selling local and organic produce and baked goods. About 95% of the produce available will be organic. It is now open at 1420 Jadwin Ave. in Richland.
Photo by Nathan FinkeThe Tri-Cities Food Co-op has opened its doors at 1420 Jadwin Ave. in Richland.
The co-op has had trouble in locking down financing to open, but it has found an alternative path to get it up and running.
“After two years of planning and overcoming challenges in securing financing, we are thrilled to be moving forward with a phased approach to open the co-op. This first step brings our community closer to having a full-service cooperative grocery store,” said Alan Schreiber, a co-op board member, in a statement. “We are excited for the future and grateful for the support of our members and the broader community.”
Co-op gets a boost
The co-op board has entered into an operational agreement with Agriculture Development Group Inc., which has provided the upfront money needed to start the co-op. This includes buying inventory, hiring employees and covering operational costs – all at cost, with no profit or management fees.
Public records show Schreiber listed as the governor of Agriculture Development Group. The Eltopia farmer has been a leading force behind getting the co-op started in the Tri-Cities.
The Tri-Cities Food Co-op has opened its doors at 1420 Jadwin Ave. in Richland.
| Photo by Nathan FinkeLocal, organic produce
The co-op’s first phase will focus on selling local and organic produce and baked goods. About 95% of the produce available will be organic.
The second phase includes an expansion to shelf-stable, non-perishable grocery items. Organizers hope to have this phase launched within a month or less.
A coffee shop, beer and wine sales, full grocery store with meat, seafood, frozen items, dairy, eggs and ready-to-eat foods and the buildout of a deli will follow. The goal is to have a fully operational co-op within a year.
Current co-op hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Thanksgiving market
The co-op also plans to hold a Thanksgiving Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 to supply all your holiday feast needs.
Co-op members receive a 5% discount through the end of 2024.
Annual membership costs range from $50 for seniors to $100 for an owner and household membership. It is a one-time fee.
Go to: tcfcoop.org.
