Ambler Food Co-op will soon cease to exist, but its original goal of opening a community-owned grocery store lives on, writes Albert Hong for Generocity.

Over 500 members of the cooperative voted unanimously last month to transfer both memberships and assets to the Weavers Way cooperative. This is the result of a partnership agreement for a local Weavers Way store to open later this year.

“We are not grocers, and Weavers Way has the operational skills to know that we can have a business here that will thrive,” explained Kathleen Casey, president of AFC.

“We will focus on making the store the best it can be for area residents and continue to build the community programs that make co-ops special.”

The transfer will officially take place once Weavers Way secures the $2.3 million in commercial loans required for the construction and equipment of the store. Member-owners of Weavers Way and AFC have already contributed $1.5 million towards the project.

The 10,000-square-foot store should be open in July and will include house health and beauty departments as well as providing supplies for pets. There will also be prepared food options and a café.

Read more about the future store at Generocity by clicking here.