Membership Will Decide Fate of Common Share Food Coop on November 11

Source: Common Share Food Coop

The dream of a community-owned grocery store in Amherst has weathered leadership transitions, a pandemic pause, and years of patient organizing. But after learning this fall that its planned East Amherst location would require an unexpected $1.5 million in substructure modifications—financing the bank declined to provide—the board of the Common Share Food Co-op is asking a stark question: Does Amherst have the community engagement and skilled leadership needed to move forward?

The co-op’s 950 member-owners will gather on November 11 at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 North Pleasant Street, to vote on three options: proceed with the current business plan, reboot with a smaller-scale model, or dissolve the organization.

“We know that some of you still have the hope and energy to try to make this work,” the board wrote to members last week. “We know many of you have put your labor, passion, and commitment toward the shared vision of a member-owned store that supports local and sustainable agriculture, strengthens our food supply resilience, and keeps more food dollars in our community.”

A Long Road with Multiple Setbacks
Launched in 2011 as a UMass student-led project, the cooperative has raised $149,000 in member equity and built a base of 950 member-owners. The Co-op incorporated in 2014, commissioned professional market studies, developed detailed financial projections, and spent years searching for the right location in East Amherst—an area the U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies as a food desert.

The board has consulted extensively with cooperative development experts and explored a merger with Northampton’s River Valley Market, which ultimately declined. Market studies confirmed community demand but highlighted intense competition and a smaller-than-typical market for the proposed 7,000 square foot store.

After an emergency meeting this April calling for new leadership, four members stepped forward—three remain on the board. However, the Co-op still lacks expertise in business development, fundraising, real estate, and communications.

Then came the latest blow: engineers discovered the East Amherst building would need extensive substructure work, adding $1.5 million to construction costs. The bank declined further financing. The Co-op has $9,500 remaining from original equity funds.

What Happens Next?
To move forward with either the original plan—requiring at least $4.2 million in capital—or a scaled-back alternative like a buying club, the board needs seven new members with specific expertise: business development or cooperative experience; fundraising and grant writing; real estate or retail operations; and communication expertise.

Board applications are due November 5 to bod@commonsharefood.coop and should include relevant skills and experience.

The November 11 meeting welcomes all interested community members to attend and observe. Voting is limited to current member-owners per the co-op’s bylaws.

“The board does not see strong evidence that Amherst has the level of sustained community engagement required for a cooperative to thrive,” the letter states. But it leaves the door open: “This meeting will decide the future of this food co-op.”

If fewer than seven qualified board candidates emerge and members vote to dissolve, it would end a 14-year effort to create what supporters envisioned as more than just a grocery store—a community hub addressing food justice, supporting local farmers, and offering a democratically governed alternative to corporate retail.

For information or to submit board applications by November 5, email bod@commonsharefood.coop or visit commonsharefood.coop.