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Online Market for Local Foods

Rich Egger

The Macomb Food Co-op plans to open a store in Macomb. But until it can make that happen, it’s found another way to make local foods available.

The co-op has established an online market where people can order local food.

“I’m passionate about good, healthy food and local food is more fresh, you can see where it comes from, you can know your producers,” said Jean Davenport, Outreach Coordinator for the co-op.

She believes support of local producers also benefits the local economy.

The co-op has defined “local” as producers within 100 miles of Macomb.

The online market can be found at atemporary website.

“Right now we’re still in the testing mode. We hope to go live with the market within the month of February,” Davenport said  

Once it’s “live,” customers will be able to visit the online market at the food co-op’s regular website.

The hours for the online market are 6:00 pm Friday until 6:00 am Monday.  Davenport emphasized orders need to be placed during that time.

Customers can pick up their orders on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the co-op’s distribution center at 211 South McArthur Street in Macomb (at the corner of McArthur and Washington Streets).  Customers should plan to pay with cash or a check and bring their own bags or boxes.

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The online market is for those who have bought at least one share in the co-op, though non-members will also get a chance to sample it for a few weeks.

“Once they’ve tried it for a month … we’re going to ask that they join the co-op,” said Davenport.

She said people can download a co-op ownership form from its websiteand mail it to the organization or they can stop by her office in the Pumo Insurance office at 19 East Side Square in Macomb to pick up a form.

Those with questions about the Macomb Food Co-op or the online marketplace can contact her at j-davenport@macombfoodcoop.net

Rich is TSPR's News Director.