Food Co-op Fundraising Projects

The Co-op meeting was great last night. We have a few pilot projects circulating around to generate money for the co-op.

One that we're going to implement in two weeks starting the 23rd/24th. This is an idea that they came up with the previous meeting, which is a mobile food service. We plan on purchasing fresh veggies/breads/fruits at the farmers market the day before, prepare salads - sandwiches - and deserts, then go out on bikes to deliver lunches to local business/office buildings. They already have 100% post consumer recycled boxes that they plan on using. So, that Sunday Ty along with myself and other group memebers will be heading to the farmers market to get a bunch of food, and then prepare some of the food for the next day.

The goal is to sell 10 lunches for the first day. And the projected goal is to sell 50 lunches a day. Last night we broke this fundraising project into several phases, first phase is what we're in now -- have members (like us) volunteer, very much a gorilla operation, and also test out the market for expansion. Phase II will start as soon as we have raised enough money for a business/health safety license to prepare food -- and also provide a salary/compensation for individuals putting time towards this effort. Phase III -- will be purchasing a delivery van, and search for a commercial kitchen to store/prepare food.

The second fundraising idea, which Geoff came up with (and i think is absolutely brilliant), is a bike delivery service. For those who want to go to the farmers market, but because of scheduling conflicts (school/work/ect), can't make it. We can take their order -- and pick up produce from the farmers market and deliver it to their homes! This is definitely something that i think our community really could benefit from.

To start off this effort, I proposed going to farmers markets and asking shoppers there if they'd be interested in this delivery service. We would also talk about our long term goals as to why we're doing this (promote biking awareness and raise money for the food co-op). This would be a great way to get contacts, and we could just call or send out an e-mail the day before saying "we'll be doing runs at the farmers market on this day, would you like us to deliver anything to you."

Because starting up the Co-op is projected in the future of 2 years. These are some short term projects that will help us get there, and also spread the word to gain momentum in the future.

I'm really excited to be a part of this!