05/26/2023
Dear Co-op Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to the Gardiner Food Co-op and Cafe.
Last night, membership voted to dissolve the Co-op due to sustained financial difficulties. The Co-op had been struggling for some time to keep up payments to staff, community producers, and lenders, and the flood last month left us in an irrecoverable position. It is not our desire to close, but we must prioritize the well-being of our staff and our responsibility to the local producers we support. We can no longer continue to take on debt, and the path to financial viability is not a clear one.
In the words of Co-op legend Nadine, it sometimes takes letting go in order to find space for new opportunities. We know that the Co-op had an immeasurable impact and a radiating sphere of influence in Gardiner and beyond, and we hope that the gap left in the Co-op's wake will be filled by more community enterprises.
The Co-op lit a spark in downtown Gardiner that has resulted in the revitalization we see today. Water Street has been changed for the better through the Co-op's presence, and we will continue to better our community even in the Co-op's absence.
Thank you all for your support of the Co-op from start to finish. The community that was built in and around this place is strong, and we have so much appreciation and gratitude for all those who put in work, time, and love on the Co-op's behalf.
Next Steps:
It is no easy task to close a Co-op, and we will continue to need support as we do so. We will be in touch about those needs, but for now, here are the things you can do:
1. Help to buy everything that remains at the Co-op. Everything must go! We will be open for one final day on Sunday, June 4th from 9am-5pm, and we need to sell everything remaining on the shelves.
2. Sign up to volunteer. We will need help cleaning, moving equipment, assessing the hardware in the Co-op, and more. Please reach out and we will be in touch about needs.
3. Share love with the Co-op staff and community. So many people put so much into this place, and the connections made will endure long after the Co-op closes.
Thank you.
