BENNINGTON — A food cooperative may be opening downtown in the near future, according to Better Bennington Corp. Executive Director John Shannahan.

At the Bennington Select Board meeting Monday, Shannahan told the board that the Better Bennington Corp., which has the mission of promoting and developing Bennington’s downtown, had worked to develop a food co-op for years. In the last four months, the group has been working with the “right person” and identified a site.

Because the agreement between the co-op developer and the land owner has not been finalized, Shannahan said he couldn’t name the location but said he hopes to be able to make an announcement soon.

A food co-op is a community owned and operated business which tends to offer locally-grown food, often from an organic farm. Neighboring communities like Brattleboro and Rutland already have food co-ops.

Shannahan said the owner is planning to offer space rent-free for the first few months because she knows the success of a co-op is dependent on its members. A booth with more information is expected to be set up at the Mayfest Craft Festival on May 26 so that prospective members can learn more about the proposal.