This project is about ensuring that our co-op is built and can serve the Itasca area for generations to come. You're investing in food access, economic resilience, and the values we share around sustainable, local food systems. This is a testament to the strength and commitment of our co-op community, and it's the result of real people doing real work.

Thank You to Our Campaign Volunteers

None of this would be possible without a truly remarkable group of people. We have owners, your fellow co-op members, who have stepped up to volunteer their time to call other owners and talk about this campaign. They're picking up the phone, day after day, having genuine conversations about why this matters and how people can participate.

These volunteers aren't getting paid. They're not getting special perks. They're doing this because they care deeply about our co-op and its future. They're answering questions, sharing their own reasons for investing, and making sure every owner feels informed and included in this opportunity.

To our volunteers: You are the heart of this campaign. Your time, your energy, and your belief in this co-op are making all the difference. We simply could not do this without you, and we are profoundly grateful.

If we make our fundraising goal, we would be on track to break ground Spring 2026 and could be shopping in our community owned grocery store BY NEXT WINTER!!!

Now Is The Time To Give - Join Us Before October 31st

If you've been thinking about participating, now is the time.

If you've already contributed, thank you- and if you know other owners who might be interested, please encourage them to make a contribution.

Three Ways to Participate

Haven't joined the campaign yet? Here's how you can be part of this effort:

• Make a Donation: Tax deductible through GRACF, non-tax deductible directly to the co-op. You can make a donation to the campaign in any amount that works for you. Every dollar helps us reach our goal and strengthens our co-op's future.
• Purchase Preferred Shares: Owners who reside in MN can invest in the co-op through preferred shares, which have the possibility to earn a return. This long term investment allows you to support the co-op financially while also receiving dividends on your investment when the co-op is profitable. A way to help us grow while growing your own investment over time. Also available in installment payments.
• Volunteer! We would welcome you to volunteer during this critical time in the co-op development. Visit www.FreeRangeFood.coop/volunteer

All options are meaningful. All make a difference. And all say: "I believe in this co-op, and I'm willing to put my resources behind that belief." And together, we're proving what can happen when people come together with a shared vision.

This is our co-op.

This is our community.

We don't need a miracle,

we need you.

Questions? Want to participate?

Contact us at 218-326-6667 or freerangefoodcoop@gmail.com

Visit www.freerangefood.coop/invest to learn more!

Thank you for being part of the Free Range Food Co-op family.

In cooperation,

The CIC Team

P.S: CONGRATULATIONS! To the three pledges for prizes winners! Thank you so much to the 8 Owners that participated by pledging a contribution over $1000! Your support for our community owned grocery store means the world, and every contribution brings us closer to opening our doors!!

Third Place went to Betsy Hoene - pictured picking up her prize at First Friday

Second Place went to Rachel Brist

And First Prize went to Stacy Sturtevant!!

If you would like to be featured as a First Friday artist or have an idea for another event, please email LydiaW.FRFC@gmail.com - we'd love to have you!

Local Food Partners

This section of our newsletter is dedicated to linking community members with places to buy local food now. Part of FRFC's vision is that because of us, we have a growing, resilient, regional food system through direct support to local growers and producers.

While we are working to build our store, we are also building relationships with local farmers who will become future suppliers of fresh, local produce to stock at our co-op.

If you're a grower/producer and FRFC Owner, reach out to us if you'd like to be featured in this section!

If you are a producer and would like to be added to this list, or if you're excited to help us grow our connections with local & regional producers as we plan the grocery store offerings, let's talk! Email us at freerangefoodcoop@gmail.com