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New Orleans CityBusiness

N.O. Food Cooperative Moves Closer to Opening

Posted: Monday, March 3, 2008

A virtual grocery cooperative has moved one step closer to becoming a bricks-and-mortar destination for affordable organic food.

The New Orleans Food Cooperative — planned by New Orleans developer Pres Kabacoff for the Universal Furniture building on St. Claude Avenue — doubled its membership to 110 dues-paying members in the past four months.

“We are making real progress toward opening our store next year,” said John Calhoun, vice president of the board of directors.

The fledgling market is a possible tenant for a 5,000-square-foot commercial space in the furniture building at the intersection of St. Roch and St. Claude avenues. Kabacoff, who owns the building, has said the community-based grocer is part of his larger vision of promoting sustainability in the city.

The store, which will stock groceries in addition to specialized organic or natural foods, will be open to anyone although there is a $100 fee to become a voting member of the co-op.

Calhoun described the cooperative as a “more affordable, locally based alternative” to Whole Foods Market and other national grocers.

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