Mariposa Food Co-op New Location Opened SATURDAY, MARCH 17 at 10 a.m.! As of mid-February, Mariposa Food Co-op had raised $2.5 million. Just as impressive is the fact that $750,000 was raised from individuals — mostly members — and the incredible rate of member participation: 10% (over 100) of co-op members made a loan, 60% increased their member equity and 450 new members joined Mariposa in the past year alone. Countless member hours were committed to supporting the capital campaign.
“The amount of time and work that has gone into our capital campaign is astonishing,” says Chakka Reeves, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. “We are lucky to have Leah Pillsbury, our talented and dedicated Capital Campaign Coordinator, as well as our expansion committee, many dedicated members, funders such as Cedar Park Neighbors and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, lenders and many others, who believe in the importance of having natural and healthy food access inWest Philadelphia.”
Though $2.5 million will allow Mariposa to open their new store, there are still ways that they need support. “The Revolving Equity Fund is an ongoing effort to make sure that anyone who wants to be a member of Mariposa can join, regardless of their economic situation.” says Reeves. “The fund is a pool of equity that will be donated to members for whom a $200 investment would pose a financial hardship.”
Mariposa Food Co-op also encourages anyone who wants to be a member to contact the Mariposa main office at 215-729-2121 or go to www.mariposa.coop/join.
This article is reprinted from our March 2012 newsletter. Didn't get your copy? Consider joining (or renewing) today!