“The Story of Kennett” is a book written in 2017 that showcases all the non-profit organizations and entities in the Kennett Square community that were involved in “Shaping Our Future One Child at a Time” within the framework of a caring community. The twenty year youth work was based on the premise that if we get our children “right” this next generation will keep us moving forward on a positive path.

Since then, Bob George and I have written weekly editorials for the Daily Local newspaper to reflect stories about the wider community and the events and entities that are making a difference in our community to help our future generations.

My usual writing practice has been to enlighten others and not express my personal opinion in my writings. Today’s leader is an exception because my story of becoming a member and owner of Kennett Community Grocer (KCG) is very personal and one that I believe is needed for the next generation.

Today I am writing about why I have become a member and owner of the Kennett Community Grocer and why I believe it will make an incremental community difference in how we evolve as an urban community.

What is more basic than having good food to eat to survive and thrive? As a registered nurse, I am very aware of the importance of good nutrition to one’s health, as well as one’s well-being. I have spent many public health nursing hours teaching prenatal, postpartum, and parents with young children about the proper balance of foods, with an emphasis on eating fresh, serving appropriate amounts, and making healthy choices.

In the same light, founding and fostering a community gathering, “Bridging the Community” for the past twenty-six years has been my work to highlight the importance of nurturing a community by ensuring that everyone has a “role to play” and is included in the wider society.

At a Bridging meeting in 2017, Britton Mendenhall and Meggie Schaeffer came up with their idea for a local grocery co-op in Kennett Square. They expressed the vision of a member-owned grocery store with people working for better food, stronger communities and a healthier planet. They announced their first community organizing meeting at The Garage Community and Youth Center, inviting all residents with the offer of an interpreter for the Spanish-speaking community.

Fast forward seven years and here we are at the point of actualization. This length of time is in line with the history of other start-up cooperatives. With 420 committed member-owners, on the way to 500, along with a promising sales forecast of $2.5 million in grocery sales in the first year, a dream is about to happen.

Positive signs are also emerging with Kennett Borough Council accepting KCG’s letter of intent to apply as tenants at their 600 S. Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA, with final negotiations between council and real estate agents ongoing and a final vote by City Council as the final step.

You ask why I am so passionate about this co-op food development being essential to community building, I will find several reasons. It begins with the appreciation of KCG’s Board Chair, Edie Burkey, who devotes over 40 volunteer hours a week, along with a committed and enthusiastic Board of Directors. They are guided by a vision that this is not just a grocery store, but in Edie’s words, “a natural environment to bring people together where everyone feels at home around healthy food.” This is a vision I support 100 percent!

KCG will be a place that every resident from the square mile of Kennett Square and beyond will walk in and find something that represents his/her culture. Currently, Edie Burkey is in discussions with the Chester County Food Bank to prepare simple meals that represent a variety of cultures and sell them at the future store. KCG’s purchases from the Food Bank will in turn help fund their mission.

There will be a 1,000-foot space for a large dining area that will host community events and nutrition education sessions. One idea is to invite youth who want to socialize after school (leave their cell phones at the door) and sit together at a table with healthy food to enjoy, along with conversation. This table will be open for all kinds of gatherings along with coffee klatches or impromptu meals together.

There will be educational classes that appeal to young families with children 4-10 years old, featuring the book “The Amazing Journey of Clarence Carrot” by local author Chris Mahoney. The sessions promote taste development and healthy eating habits, which will certainly help create the conditions for a healthier life.

To address the economic disparity in our community, anyone can shop at the store without a membership, but a small contribution each week can help a low-income person become a member, with the encouragement that their voice is needed as part of the mix. Discounts will be offered and members will continue to receive their share of the profits.

Most of us would agree that we have lost touch with our food sources from the earth and the local farmers who work tirelessly to support our daily meals. KCG will shop locally and develop relationships that will help mutually sustain the farmer and customer of the cooperative.

These are just a few examples. The possibilities are endless for building a strong community while doing your weekly grocery shopping. Looking at the big picture, I realize that this requires me to go beyond my own current, comfortable purchasing methods and be willing to join the larger societal process.

It has been an interest of mine to follow and keep up with the development of Kennett Square over the last forty years. I foresee Kennett Community Grocer bringing a new horizon to an interface between uptown and downtown. With that, I encourage anyone who values ​​community to get on the bandwagon and become a member and owner of Kennett Community Grocer. In addition to fresh, local produce to buy, one will be an agent for “brewing” cultures and creating a vibrant community where everyone wants to live.

The Story of Kennett – Shaping the future one child at a time” Joan Holliday and Bob George’s book about Kennett can be purchased on Amazon and at Mushroom Cap. You can contact Joan at: [email protected]