NEWPORT — The group working to transform Green Mountain Natural Foods, a longtime downtown Newport mainstay, into a community-owned food co-op will host a Gratitude Gathering on Sunday, July 12, at the Gateway Center.
The event, organized by Kingdom Co-op, runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and will celebrate the progress made over the past year, recognize the people who have helped advance the project, and officially usher in its next phase: welcoming community member-owners.
The effort began as a desire to preserve and grow a natural food store and has grown into a community-wide push to create a locally owned cooperative intended to serve Newport and the Northeast Kingdom for generations, organizers said.
Over the past year, a steering committee shaped the vision for a cooperatively owned business and guided the organization through its early stages.
That committee elected a board of directors, which created bylaws and legally incorporated Kingdom Co-op with the Vermont Secretary of State. Board members also developed a logo and brand identity and launched a website to share the co-op’s vision.
Now operating as a legal entity, Kingdom Co-op is selling consumer memberships and engaging with community members to learn what they want from the store.
Sunday’s gathering will feature food, live music and information about the co-op. The Portside Grille will offer a select menu for purchase featuring ingredients sourced primarily from local Northeast Kingdom producers.
Live music will be performed by Amberjack and Bleeding Hearts Family Band, followed by a jam session to close the festivities.
Attendees can learn about the vision for Kingdom Co-op and how to get involved as a volunteer or member-owner.
Organizers said all are welcome, whether they have been involved from the beginning or are just learning about the project.
