Kennett community food scene
🌿 Kennett Square, PA · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Growing a community-owned grocery for Chester County

We're raising funds and awareness to open Kennett Community Grocer — a daily farm-fresh market owned by the people it feeds.

Our Mission

Rooted in community,
grown for everyone

Friends of Kennett Food Co-op is dedicated to fostering a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive community through the support of Kennett Community Grocer. We are passionate about promoting local food systems and empowering community-owned enterprises for the benefit of all.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, 100% of your tax-deductible donation is distributed solely to support the specific needs of KCG — a membership cooperative that will sell locally produced foods to Kennett Square-area communities.

Local Food Systems Farm-to-Community Education Programs Economic Resilience Co-op Ownership Chester County Farmers
Community education program

The Vision

A farmer's market,
every day of the week

Imagine a beautiful market filled with the bounty of local farmers and food producers — open every single day. Friends of Kennett Food Co-op seeks to enable a healthy community by providing that daily market for locally produced foods while ensuring lasting economic support to growers and producers.

The sustainability of local food makers has been proven by the Farm Stop model, now successful in over thirty locations nationwide. Kennett Community Grocer has adopted this model.

Friends also has a steadfast commitment to ongoing complementary education programming — seminars, meet-and-greets, and webinars focused on nutrition, culinary skills, food systems, and affordability — all held in the "Rotary Café" at the front of Kennett Community Grocer.

The Café will convene quarterly community forums hosting subject matter experts, and Friends will host local events like talent shows, trivia nights, and even publish a local cookbook.

  • Daily locally sourced grocery market
  • Rotary Café for education & community events
  • Quarterly forums with subject matter experts
  • Nutrition & culinary skills workshops
  • Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser
  • Local talent shows & trivia nights
  • Community cookbook publishing
  • Food affordability initiatives

Our Board

The people behind the mission

Edie Burkey
Edie Burkey
Board President

Past Board President of KCG and lifelong co-op advocate, Edie leads Friends with deep passion for local food systems and building community relationships across Chester County.

Gail Tefft
Gail Tefft
Fundraising & Community Awareness

A Kennett Borough resident and longtime KCG Member-Owner, Gail leads fundraising and event planning, including the beloved annual Chili Cook-Off.

Sandi Murphy
Sandi Murphy
Communications & Organization

Retired toxicologist and KCG Member-Owner, Sandi brings strong organizational and communication skills to the board in service of local residents, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

Lynn Nathan
Lynn Nathan
Fundraising & Leadership

Four decades of business leadership, grant writing, and community outreach. A longtime Kennett Square resident and active Rotarian with deep roots in cooperative action.

How We Engage

Programs & Community Initiatives

Educational programs
🌱

Educational Programs

Workshops and events on healthy eating, sustainable practices, and supporting local agriculture — partnering with nutritionists, farmers, and culinary experts.

Volunteer opportunities
🤝

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. From event setup to community outreach, there's a meaningful role for everyone — no special skills required.

Partnership initiatives
🌾

Partnership Initiatives

We collaborate with local farms, schools, health clinics, and nonprofits to enhance wellness and create a sustainable food system that benefits everyone.

Stay Informed

Read our Blog

News, updates, and stories from the Friends of Kennett Food Co-op community — from fundraising milestones to local food spotlights and upcoming events.

Visit the Blog →

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you