Delafield Co-op Market Celebrates Two Years of Providing Affordable, Fresh Food

Addressing a Food Desert

In Bowling Green, KY a unique market has emerged which is closing the nutrient gap. The Delafield Co-op Market, celebrating two years of operation, has provided a fresh food oasis in a region once known as a food desert. This term refers to an area where residents lacked reliable access to healthy, fresh produce within a one-mile radius. This major issue impacted a large population of residents in Delafield, particularly those who were elderly, lacking in transport or struggling financially.

Building Community Connections

With a clear goal in mind to support the community, the co-op market has already made a considerable mark. Market Manager, Gregory Byrd, reminisced about the feeling of potential when the market first opened. “When I initially joined as a market member, I was simply blown away by the diversity and quality of the products,” he recalled. As the business has grown over time, the extent of the market’s success has outpaced the expectations of the team, drawing an increasing number of recurring customers, and expanding the portfolio of retail shoppers.

Marking a Milestone

To commemorate their two-year milestone, Delafield Co-op Market did what they know best – nurturing community spirit. The day was punctuated with festivities including free food giveaways and witnessing a return of their loyal customer base. Byrd reiterated that the simplest and most effective way for locals to support the co-op is to consistently shop there, which will help ensure that they can keep providing affordable, fresh food for the local community in years to come.

Market Logistics

The Delafield Co-op Market, situated at 1005 Boatlanding Road, remains dedicated to supporting the community’s nutritional needs through their opening hours. They are open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A Positive Impact

The challenging narrative of the food desert in Bowling Green has been significantly altered by the Delafield Co-op Market. Through grassroot efforts and tight-knit community engagement, they’ve emerged as leaders in securing access to affordable, fresh food for locals. As they celebrate their second year in operation, they invite community members to share in their success and support their mission to continue making fresh, nutritious food more accessible for everyone in the area, knowing that each shopping trip contributes toward making a positive, lasting change for everyone in the community.