Food co-op among candidates for Lombard site

Prairie Food Co-op to submit proposal

The recent article about four proposals being considered for the property at 101 S. Main St. in Lombard neglected to say that among the new proposals is one that includes the Prairie Food Co-op, a full-service grocery store.

I'm proud to be an owner of Prairie Food Co-op since 2014. We 800-plus owners are excited that the co-op has grown to the point where a location can be secured.

Our family moved to our North-Side Lombard home in 1989. Over the years, we have increasingly felt the obstacle of living in what is now called a food desert. I realize that we can easily drive to stores, but we feel that this is a waste of energy and time. We welcome an opportunity to walk or bike to shop for fresh, local food on a frequent basis - an ecological and healthy way to live.

My husband and I recently visited the Oneota Community Food Co-op in downtown Decorah, Iowa. We found it clean, bright and welcoming, and we were amazed at how well it fit in.

Last year, Lombard sought proposals for a grocery store. That was a smart idea. This type of anchor retail store can provide a great meeting place for residents, a convenient quick-stop for train commuters, and a draw for shoppers from surrounding communities to the downtown area. And as a cooperative, it involves our local residents.

Prairie Food Co-op is committed to providing fair paying jobs, supporting local food producers and becoming a community hub that offers a warm, supportive environment and unique educational opportunities. Its presence at 101 S. Main St. would bring ongoing benefits to Lombard and the surrounding area for many years to come.

Diane Dassow

Lombard