BREMERTON –The Kitsap Community Food Co-op has reached 700 members, taking it one step closer to the ultimate goal of opening a storefront in Bremerton. The Co-op, incorporated in 2008 with the intention of opening a community-owned grocery store, will be the only one of its kind in Kitsap County.

“We are very excited to reach this remarkable milestone,” said Kristina Kruzan, vice president of the board. “Seven hundred households have stepped forward to say they want this type of model in our community in a time when people are growing increasingly concerned about where their food comes from. The Kitsap Community Food Co-op will directly connect consumers with the producers who grow the food, use clear labeling to facilitate easy decision-making, and cycle money back into our own community, rather than sending it back out to a corporate entity.”

A food co-op is owned by several hundred, or even thousands, of members who invest a small amount in equal share to fund the store. While anyone is welcome to shop in the store once it’s opened, member-owners exclusively receive a share in the profits of the store.

When the Kitsap Community Food Co-op reaches the 1,000 member mark and a site is announced, a capital campaign will be launched. This campaign will utilize the financial backing from the member-owners to fill the gap between the gathered member-equity and the estimated $1.2 million needed before approaching a bank for supplemental financing.

“The community has to say they want it, and that means stepping in to capitalize this store. The more members who can help close that gap, the less debt we take on, and the healthier we are from day one,” Kruzan said.

For more information, contact Kristina Kruzan or visit www.kitsapfood.coop.