Market Project Nets $5000

By Laura Ory
Herald/Review

SIERRA VISTA — The Sierra Vista Natural Foods Co-op has received $5,000 toward the opening of a new local market.

After receiving the most online votes for the Sun Crystals Natural Sweetener Food Co-op Endowment Program, the food co-op beat out four other finalists, cooperative markets in Oregon, North Carolina, Minnesota and Washington, for an additional $2,500. The Sierra Vista Market was one of two start-up co-op markets in the competition.

“It’s great. We’re excited to have won the grand prize,” said Lyle Ford, project manager.

Ford credited the co-op members and the community for the votes the Sierra Vista Market received.

The co-op has two plans for the endowment funds.

“One will be to hire a food cooperative business planning expert to help make sure were on track with the business plan we have,” Ford said.

They also plan to launch a new community health and wellness newsletter.