Food co-op has tiered memberships

BENNINGTON — The organizers working on the Southshire Community Market, which would be Bennington’s first food cooperative, have announced a tiered membership program and assistance for potential low-income members.

A food co-op is a member-owned, member-controlled business that operates for the benefit of its members and community.

The Bennington co-op is already selling family memberships for $200 in part to raise start-up capital. Recognizing that the market was developed to help low-income families, they are also offering a low-income accessibility program at a cost of $100.

Members can also donate to a fund, Co-op Cares, that would subsidize the memberships of those who can’t afford any membership fee. Recipients of Co-op Cares funding will be chosen from families who receive qualifying assistance programs.

Advantages to membership include some special pricing and discounts and a voice in decisions made for the co-op.

The Southshire Community Market is committed to bringing local, healthy, affordable food to the residents of downtown Bennington and the community at large. More information is available through the Better Bennington Corp. at 442-5758 or by emailing southshiremarket@gmail.com.