BUTTE - Those wanting to open a community-owned cooperative grocery store in Butte are seeking the help of experts from around the country and the state.
“A couple board members coming over from the Bozeman Community Cooperative, which is probably the most successful food coop in Montana,” said co-op organizer Steve Thompson.
The idea to open a community-owned grocery store started in June and has received strong local support. The former Hennessy Market store on East Granite Street is a possible location, though organizers are looking at two other location as well.
“All the indicators have to come into alignment so that we can say, ‘ok, this is the best choice, this makes the most sense for Butte,’” said Thompson.
On average, Butte has a lower income than other cities, so organizers of this coop want to make sure they sell products that will be affordable.
“Then there’s also interest in having food that is affordable across the spectrum. Sort of the vision is hybrid that provides really low-cost stable food as well as bulk food which is the most affordable of all,” said Thompson.
