Help the Dixon Co-Op Expand and Thrive!
For the first time, the Dixon Co-op is asking for financial help from the community. The money will be used to complete the expansion and upgrade project for the store. We are looking to raise $80,000. We have two generous donors who have each offered a matching grant of $5,000 for a total of $10,000. If we can raise $10,000 from our community by August 1st, that money will be doubled.
The history - The project was envisioned in 2021, since that time the Co-op applied for and was granted $250,000 for the expansion project including a safe loading dock, more storage, refrigeration, new bathroom and office. The first award of $200,000 is from a 2022 federal grant program called the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and another $50,000 was awarded in 2024 from a NM grant called The Healthy Food Financing Fund.
The original projected budget of $250,000 had covered the full cost of the construction, planning and engineering. We have experienced several unexpected challenges and the additional costs have mounted up to the extra $80,000. As many of you may have experienced, bringing older buildings into code can be burdensome and offer unexpected surprises. And the hyper-inflation we have all experienced has been painful!
**Benefits of the Expansion:**
1. **Safer Receiving and Storing of Products:** Improved facilities for better management and safety.
2. **Enhanced Cold Storage:** Ensuring greater abundance and variety of fresh products.
3. **Expanded Buyers Club:** Saving our members more money on their purchases.
4. **Greener Footprint:** A more efficient operation with smaller energy costs.
5. **Better Customer and Worker Experience:** Enhanced spaces for a more enjoyable shopping and working environment.
**Why Your Contribution Matters:**
This is not just a store; it’s a vital part of our community. The Dixon Co-Op is often thought of as Dixon’s front porch—a place where we come together. Your contribution will help ensure that we can continue to serve the community better and meet the growing needs of our members. We wouldn’t ask for your help unless it was absolutely necessary. Your support will help build out one of our community’s most important resources.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
