Our Mission
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.
The Vision
Start with a beautiful market filled with the bounty from local farmers and food producers. Now see what you get... a farmer's market everyday of the week! Friends of the Kennett Food Co-op seek to enable a healthy community by providing a daily market for locally produced foods while ensuring economic support to farmers and producers. The sustainability of growers and makers of local food products has been proven by instituting the Farm Stop model, now successful in over thirty locations to date. Kennett Food Co-op has adopted his model.
Friends also has a steadfast commitment to ongoing complimentary education programming. These seminars, meet and greets, and even webinars will focus on nutrition, culinary skills, food systems, food affordability initiatives, and more. They will be held in the "Rotary Cafe" at the front of Kennett Community Grocer.
The Cafe will be a critical element to increase community engagement. Friends plans to convene quarterly community forums which will host subject matter experts.
In addition, Friends will host local fundraising events such as local talent shows, trivia nights, and even the publishing of a local cookbook.
Details
Friends of Kennett Food Co-op Inc. is a 501(c)(3) chartiable organization (EIN: 39-3397193). 100% of your tax-deductible donation to this Nonprofit will be solely distributed to support specific needs for the operation of Kennett Community Grocer (KCG). KCG is a membership cooperative that will sell locally produced foods to Kennett Square-area communities.
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Edie is a past Board President of KCG and is happily leading Friends of Kennett Food Co-op. Friends Board is continuing to work with the KCG Board to fund needed projects for the Grocer. As a shopper at Weaver’s Way Co-op in Chestnut Hill, PA and as someone who almost moved to Brattleboro, Vermont just because they have a terrific food co-op, to say that Edie is passionate about what a food cooperative can do for a community would be an understatement. Edie joined KCG and the “Friends” Board to work diligently to make this place happen. Building community relationships, reaching out to others with a passion for local foods, providing an economic engine for our community members, and encouraging the sharing of our rich diversity is what KCG is all about.
Gail, a resident of Kennett Borough, is happy to serve on the Board of Friends of Kennett Food Co-Op because of her deep passion for what the new Kennett Farm Stop Grocery Store will bring to the local community. She became a KCG Member-Owner in the early years and has seen first hand how challenging it is has been to take the “idea” of a community grocery store to the present reality of, in the very near future, it’s opening the doors. Gail has been an active volunteer, setting up events and most recently taking a lead role in the planning and executing of the very successful annual fund raising event, the Chili Cook Off. She will continue the necessary work of Fund Raising and Community Awareness while serving on the board.
Sandi is a retired toxicologist. Now she has a small Etsy shop and enjoys gardening, especially herbs, veggies and flowers. When growing up in Detroit, family-owned local grocery stores were a vital part of the neighborhood as vendors and friends. A Member-Owner and volunteer, she believes that KCG will benefit local residents, farmers, and entrepreneurs, providing direct support for our local economy and preservation of the surroundings that brought us here. She will use her organizational and communication skills on the “Friends” Board to help KCG move forward to our very own neighborhood store!
Lynn brings more than four decades of business ownership and leadership experience to the “Friends” Board, where her skills in board management, event planning, and community outreach will be invaluable. A longtime Kennett Square resident and active Rotarian, Lynn is passionate about healthy food, supporting local sources, and strengthening the community through cooperative action. With her strong background in fundraising, grant writing, and organizational leadership, she is eager to help the nonprofit guide KCG as it grows into a thriving, community-owned grocery store
Educational Programs
Our workshops and events educate the community about healthy eating, sustainable practices, and the importance of supporting local agriculture and businesses. From hands-on cooking demonstrations featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to informative seminars on composting, regenerative farming, and reducing food waste, our programming is designed to empower people of all ages with practical knowledge they can use every day. We partner with nutritionists, local farmers, and culinary experts to bring diverse perspectives into the classroom and community hall. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned home cook, our events offer something meaningful — because we believe that an informed community is the foundation of a healthier, more resilient food system.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us in making a difference! We welcome volunteers to help with event planning and community outreach initiatives. Whether you can spare a few hours on a weekend or are looking for a deeper, ongoing commitment, there's a meaningful role for you here. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization — they set up and run community events, connect neighbors with resources, and help spread the word about our mission across the region. No special skills are required, just a willingness to show up and contribute. In return, you'll build lasting connections, gain new experiences, and know that your time is directly improving lives right here in our community.
Partnership Initiatives
We collaborate with local organizations to enhance healthy eating, promote wellness, and create a sustainable food system that benefits everyone in our community. Our network of partners includes local farms, school districts, health clinics, and nonprofit organizations — each bringing unique strengths to our shared mission. Together, we develop wellness programs that address the root causes of poor eating habits, and advocate for policies that support equitable access to nutritious food. We believe that lasting change happens when organizations stop working in silos and start working in concert. If your organization shares our values, we'd love to explore what we can build together.
