Potsdam Food Co-op raises $571.69 for the Potsdam Neighborhood Center at its annual open house

POTSDAM – The Potsdam Food Co-op hosted a successful open house celebration October 12-13.

The event features raffle prizes, free food samples and a celebration of the fall season. Vendors handed out food and drink samples while in-store shoppers enjoyed a 10% discount on items ranging from sandwiches and local produce to nutritional supplements and healthy frozen foods.

Volunteers from Deep Root Center helped the children decorate a small pumpkin themselves. 60 visitors also estimated the weight of a heavy pumpkin (33.4lbs to be exact), with one winner, Vanessa, taking home both the pumpkin and a Co-op gift card.

Mike Corse provided live acoustic music and Co-op CEO Jessie LaRose accompanied him at some performances. LaRose commented, “This is a great event that brings our community together to eat delicious food, listen to local musicians and celebrate collaboration.”

The annual fundraising raffle raised $571. Donors purchased raffle tickets to bid on various prizes. Prizes were all donated by Co-op vendors and included a year of coffee from St. Lawrence Valley Roasters, multiple gift baskets, freshly baked products, a $100 Co-op gift card and more.

The Co-op would like to thank all donors who purchased raffle tickets and the many vendors who donated raffle prizes. We are also excited about the vendors who had a booth at the open house: St. Lawrence Valley Roasters, Squeak Creek Apiaries, Cedar Hedge Farm, Hex & Hop Brewing, House of Greens and Nourish Bakery. The Deep Root Center provided the children’s activities free of charge and we are especially grateful to them for donating their services.

Half of all raffle proceeds went to the Potsdam Neighborhood Center, which helps community members in need of healthy food, clothing, utilities, shelter and more. It is one of six centers operated by the St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, a private nonprofit agency.

During the open day, 18 people became new members of the Potsdam food cooperative. Each new member won a small prize to celebrate joining the co-op – from a chocolate bar to a co-op gift card. Co-op board members were on hand, encouraging participation and explaining to community members what it means to be a member and owner of the only food co-op in St. Lawrence County.

Anyone can buy healthy, regional and organic food from the Potsdam food cooperative. The store’s offerings include fresh local produce and dairy products; vegan foods and allergy-free foods; healthy frozen foods, grain-free and gluten-free options, prepared condiments; nutritional supplements and wellness products; delicatessen items and ready-made sandwiches; and bulk grains, nuts, oil, herbs, spices, tea and coffee. SNAP-registered shoppers can enroll in the Double Up Food Bucks NY program and receive up to $20 off fresh produce daily.

A customer can become a cooperative member and owner simply by purchasing a share for ten years at a cost of $10 per year. Member-owners receive deep discounts on twice-monthly Co-op Deals sales and a 10% discount on wellness products on the second Wednesday of each month. Additionally, they can get special discounts through our online shopping club. If desired, a Member-Owner can work a weekly or monthly shift to receive a regular discount on all in-store purchases.

The store at Elmstrasse 24 in Potsdam is open to everyone seven days a week, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To find out more about Potsdam Food Co-op, please visit www.potsdamcoop.com. Follow us on Instagram at potsdamcoop and Potsdam Food Co-op on Facebook for new stock, Co-op offers, department updates and more.