Co-Op Looks At Changes

The 4 Corners Co-op will explore changing its ownership to become a non-profit.

The Co-Op, housed in Waterville, began as an idea in West Winfield to provide a

local place for groceries.

Both communities lost grocery stores in the past decade.

Under the current structure, people buy memberships and become owners.

The store, known as Huddle Farms Village Market, also allows non-members to shop there.

The Co-op’s Board of Directors had their annual meeting last week.

Members present approved having the Board examine going to a non-profit.

Doing so, Board president Tom Olin explained, would allow 4 Corners to apply for grants, which it cannot do now.

The change in business ownership would not affect how the store operates, Olin said.

Highlights of the last year include buying more coolers, adding to its vendors and members groups, and expanding the Café to Grab and Go items.

Goals for the coming year are to find a larger space for the store, set up satellite locations in Herkimer, Otsego and Madison counties and set up to accept Snap and EBT payments.

A grant given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has not fully been paid.

The federal government suspended the final $40,000 payment, which might not be given at all.

Board members said the Co-op works hard to keep prices lower than at grocery stores.

For example, a dozen eggs for members costs $4.

Steve Loudon and Linda Lacelle were elected to three-year terms on the Board.