When a handful of like-minded locals formed Kensington Community Food Co-Op (KCFC) in 2008, the concept of a cooperative, member-owned grocery store was foreign to many residents of Kensington.

They perceived food co-ops to be “like Whole Foods,” according to Thom Berg, KCFC’s Member Loan Officer. “But in fact, we want to make healthy food more accessible and that’s why education and community outreach are so important to what we do.”

On October 24th, nearly eight years since its conception, the vision for KCFC came into focus when its members welcomed the community to a Fall Open House Party and General Membership Meeting. With a combined turnout of approximately 125, the family-friendly event served as a valuable opportunity to increase awareness.

Upon arrival, guests were encouraged to tour and explore KCFC’s newly acquired lease-to-own property at the corner of Frankford and Lehigh Avenues. There, at 2670 Coral Street, the timeworn structure that consecutively housed Irish pubs, Shannon’s and O’Reilly’s, is poised to be reborn as the home of KCFC.

In addition to being centrally situated in the Riverwards and within a neighborhood largely deprived of grocery stores, the highly visible location boasts ample parking for motorists, close proximity to the Market-Frankford Line and convenient access by bus, bicycle or foot.

Inside, about 4,000 square-feet of unfinished retail space leave little to be reclaimed, but plenty to be reimagined. Artist renderings revealed the structure’s raw potential, displaying KCFC’s new layout plans, designed by Nicole Klimek of CDS Consulting.

“With the KCFC project, our greatest challenge was working with structural masonry that couldn’t be removed,” Klimek said. “However, through creative problem-solving and collaboration, we designed a solution in which the flow of the store, its sight lines and operational efficiency won’t be compromised. I’m excited to shop the space!”

The design will accommodate aisles stocked with bulk bins containing rice, beans, granola and other dry goods for customers to purchase by weight. Available groceries will also include a variety of fresh baked goods, meats, cheeses and produce, most of which will be sourced locally.

To capitalize on the property’s inherited liquor license, KCFC will also introduce an integrated café, touting indoor seating and an outdoor patio with light fare, beer and wine. Alcohol will be served by the glass, while refrigerated cases will offer take-out beer, including that of Philadelphia Brewing Company, an early supporter of the project.

After getting to know the space, attendees of the Open House were seated in its main hall for a presentation by KCFC’s newly elected Vice President, Peter Frank. He provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s progress and goals.

Latest developments included the open submission of an RFP for building contractors, to which three reputable firms replied with proposals. A winner will be selected and announced in the coming weeks, with construction expected to commence shortly thereafter.

“This is a huge for us,” Frank said of the RFP’s reception. “I recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony of [another co-op] and the realization that we’ve nearly reached the same milestone gave me chills.”

Despite the excitement generated by that breakthrough, topics concerning KCFC’s finances were among the most talked about. To date, nearly $950,000 has been collected, thanks in part to a generous $518,000 commitment to loan, courtesy of The Reinvestment Fund, a specialized financial institution responsible for more than $1.5 billion in community investments.

Additional assets have been raised through member-owned equity ($150,000, est.); member loans ($215,000, est.); income from KCFC’s monthly marketplace ($20,000, est.); and other sources, including a grant explicitly earmarked for the procurement and installation of new doors ($34,000, est.). The collection of such contributions is vital to the project’s success, which remains approximately $650,000 shy of its $1,566,000 funding goal.

After boiling down the numbers, KCFC members served up some fun, concluding the day’s festivities with a backyard barbecue that showcased the delicious fruits of their labor. For those who missed out on KCFC’s Open House event, but are hungry to get involved, there are many other ways to support the cause.

With a one-time $200 investment, individuals can join KCFC’s 700+ member-owners and enjoy immediate access to exclusive discounts through Shop Local, KCFC’s growing network of business allies, including Pizza Brain, Whipped Bake Shop, Circle Thrift and more than 50 others.

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, Kensington’s extended community is invited to pick up groceries from Marketplace at Circle of Hope; all proceeds benefit KCFC. Although Marketplace will not be held in November, Thanksgiving turkeys can be ordered now; those interested are encouraged to reserve birds by contacting KCFC, ASAP.

Visit kcfc.coop, call 215-650-7286, or email info@kcfc.coop to help KCFC’s mission to support local food and farmers, educate and motivate the community to eat healthier and bring an estimated 20 to 40 sustainable jobs to the Riverwards.