By Stephen Vance, Staff
In recent years it has been known simply as The Market, a retail outlet for local and organic produce and food products that had originally been the 100 Mile Market. But a transition is taking place that will turn the restored barn on Highway 26 into what organizers are calling a “Health Hub”.
The revamped facility will still include the sale of local and organic food products – at a discount for co-op members – but will also feature education programming, a cafe, space for yoga and hot yoga, and even an art gallery.
One of the co-operative members who has helped spearhead this new project, LauraLee Harris, told The Independent that in order to make the dream a reality, the focus now is finding members and investors.
“We’re bringing it together. The transition team is what we call ourselves,” Harris told The Independent. “We need funds to start incorporation, we need funds to get this thing rolling, we need commitments from people.”
To become a member of The Barn Co-operative Network will cost $40 per year. Members will receive a five percent discount off their shopping, and members will also be offered special rates on bulk items, events, and workshops, and there will be opportunities for “work trade hours”.
In addition to members, investors are also being sought for the project. Investment shares are being offered at $1000/share. This money is a loan to the co-operative that will help secure the building and expand and grow the other businesses. Investors will receive 10 percent shopping discounts and a five percent dividend at the end of the year.
Harris told The Independent that RRSP funds can be rolled into these investment shares.
To kick off the fundraising drive, a Spring Equinox party will be held at the Barn on Saturday, March 21 at 7 pm. The cost is $40 per person, and the event includes live music, wild and organic food sampling, and a cash bar,
For more information you can visit www.themarketmeaford.com or call for tickets 519-538-1522 at 121 Old Hwy 26, Meaford.
