We plan to open a community owned and operated grocery store in downtown Bethlehem. Our goals are to offer healthy, affordable, locally-focused food and informational workshops in a convenient neighborhood location.
Our Mission:
The Bethlehem Food Co-Op is a diverse community encouraging physical, social, and economic health by providing healthful, affordable food; emphasizing local, sustainable, humane and natural food systems; and offering unique educational opportunities to the entire community.
Important Things That Make Us Awesome:
- Community Owned: The co-op will be owned by its members. Yes—YOU will be able to own the grocery store you shop at. And, not only can you own a share of the store, that share will give you an equal voice in the democratic process of the store.
- Community Operated: The people in the community the co-op serves will operate our store. We will provide good jobs for our community! We hope to also include programs like work-for-food.
- In Downtown Bethlehem: The co-op will be an oasis of fresh food in the food desert that exists in Bethlehem’s two downtowns.
- Healthy Food: We plan to focus on local foods and organic offerings, helping our community live the best life it can!
- Affordable Food: Members will receive discounts on co-op products, and prices will be limited by working directly with producers and offering alternative buying options like bulk bins.
- Informational Workshops: The co-op will not just be a grocery store. We want to engage with our community and offer education and recreation opportunities like classes on nutrition, cooking, gardening, composting and more!
- Convenient Neighborhood Location: The store will be located in one of Bethlehem’s two downtowns and will be accessible on foot or by public transit or bicycle.
So, now that you know what we are all about, get involved! Or, you can learn more about the concept of a co-op here.
Buy Fresh Buy Local Greater Lehigh Valley
[...] AboutFAQGet Involved! [...]
Greetings!
I am the Vice Chair of the Steering Committee for the Ambler Food Co-Op, an idea that is in the process of becoming. We are located in Montgomery County, about 20 minutes away from Weavers Way.
I was forwarded your information by David Woo, President of the Board, Weavers Way. Your Mission Statement (in the making) really resonates with me – and it does so on a number of levels.
I would be most grateful to speak with someone about how your co-op came about, where you are today and your plans for the future. In turn, I am more than happy to do the same!
Be well,
Karen Palmer
Ambler Food Co-Op
How do I become a member? Where is your store and when is it open?
Right now, Deb, we are in the process of creating the Bethlehem Food Co-Op. We meet every third Thursday at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Center and Wall Sts. in Bethlehem. You can be added to the mailing list by clicking on “member profile” at the top of this page. We’ll be at the Earth Day celebration on Main St. on 4/28 from 11-2— Stop by our table for more information!