Lovettsville Co-op Market groundbreaking set for Oct. 9

The Lovettsville Cooperative Market is inviting the public to its upcoming grocery store groundbreaking event Saturday, Oct. 9, from 12n to 3pm, at the Lovettsville Square South, in Lovettsville, VA.

LCM incorporated in 2011 and is community-owned, and member-governed. Profits go back into the community through support of local farmers, producers, and vendors, as well as job opportunities and taxes. This will be the first community owned co-op in Northern Virginia.

The full-service grocery store will be a place where everyone is invited to shop for healthy food and local products. Plans include a deli and grab-and-go meals. The Co-op will also serve as a community hub, sponsoring programs and events focused on local needs and interests.

LCM launched its member loan campaign this past February, and has raised $1 million dollars to date from members.  These funds will be used to:  hire a general manager; help design and construct the store; purchase equipment; and provide working capital for the continued success of the co-op.

While the grocery store has taken some time to reach groundbreaking, LCM has been involved in community service since its inception: adopting a portion of the Berlin Turnpike as part of VDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program; sponsoring the Lovettsville Community Garden since 2019; hosting a seasonal market each year in support of local producers and residents; participating as a member of the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce; hosting dozens of workshops for canning, sourdough bread baking, making beeswax wraps, cooking, pie baking, and flower arranging.

The co-op’s board will provide a short presentation and answer questions. Local food vendors will be on hand to showcase and sell their products. A prominent local winery will be on site to pour.

Learn more at www.lovettsville-grocery.com. Follow the Co-op on Facebook @LovettsvilleGroceryCoop and Instagram @lovettsvillecoop.