Louisville Community Grocery

Author: Arte Chambers

  • Let’s Start Selling as Louisville Community Grocery

    Let’s Start Selling as Louisville Community Grocery

    LCG owners agree that we want to begin engaging in the business of selling fresh, high quality food and other products in a cooperative manner that is responsive to community needs, and support the regional food economy (one of our core purposes). We want to start now, while we are still working on opening our brick and mortar store. A buying club project has risen to the top in recent owner meeting discussions as a desirable way to start achieving this objective.

    The Buying Club Survey

    Owner, Barry Z. created a 2-question survey and we’ve had 43 responses from owners who would like to participate in a buying club. Can you help us get to 70? We’re learning from the survey what your top 3 criteria are for participating, and what products you would be most interested in purchasing. This helps a great deal to plan a prototype for a buying club.

    The Buying Club Survey

    Develop Our Cooperative Business Model

    We’re at a catch-22 with the prospect of opening our brick and mortar store. If our Business and Site Development Committee finds the right place and the willing partners to get started, we will need to have a team ready to take on the work to make it happen. This is why we need to start now to develop our cooperative business model through practical sales so we’ll be ready.

    Our Purpose  

    • Combat food insecurity;
    • Operate a multi-stakeholder, Cooperative grocery store;
    • Engage in the business of selling fresh, high quality food and other products in a Cooperative manner that is responsive to community needs and supports the regional food economy;
    • Develop an attractive and successful business model for worker and community ownership in food retailing and local economic development;
    • Create jobs that are secure and educational and support the dignity of all workers of the Cooperative; and
    • Engage in education

    Coordinators Needed

    To move this project forward and start learning new insights into what will work on a larger scale, LCG needs one or two volunteer coordinators for the project. This would involve the following tasks and time commitment:

    • Set up and facilitate working group meetings once or twice per month in person or online, or both;
    • Commit to one year as project coordinator or co-coordinator;
    • Set a goal for a start date for a buyers club or other prototype for sales;
    • Coordinate the operation of the sales prototype for a period of 3 months and evaluate;
    • Delegate work to group members such as
      • Drafting a committee charter with the group, to be approved by the LCG board of directors;
      • Recording meeting notes and posting to the LCG Google drive;
      • Attending monthly LCG board meetings to report on the progress, ask and answer questions;
      • Liaising with the Business Development and Site Selection committee as insights become clear about what will work on a larger scale;

    If you would be willing to talk further with LCG board members about this volunteer coordinator position, please contact us at LouisvilleCommunityGrocery@gmail.com.

  • New Projects Brewing

    New Projects Brewing

    At our March 19th owners’ meeting, a small group of Louisville Community Grocery (LCG) owners volunteered to explore ways that LCG could start selling groceries before we build a store. One way is a “buying club,” which has a small space for receiving, storing, and distributing food but
    not an actual storefront. For example, a buying club might accept food orders from its members every Wednesday (in person or online) and distribute the food on Friday. A buying club usually serves only its member-owners, and not the general public. Starting a buying club could be a
    low-cost, low-risk way for LCG to grow into a full-service grocery store. It would help us learn the items to stock in the store, the payment methods that our community prefers, and other things that will make our owners and community members happy to shop at LCG.

    The LCG Buying Club Working Group is putting together a proposal to bring to the LCG Board for approval. We would start the buying club as an experiment, with the intention of improving and expanding it as we go. We will ask for your suggestions and concerns every step of the way. To help us get started, please answer a quick 2-question survey. Thank you!

    Buyers Club Survey


    If you would like to join the LCG Buying Club Working Group, please contact Arte Chambers at LouisvilleCommunityGrocery@gmail.com.

  • Special Projects kicking off: Impact Economics and Teamwork

    Special Projects kicking off: Impact Economics and Teamwork

    At our last owners meal and meeting we asked members what kind of LCG special projects they would be willing to invest their time into. A couple of workgroups formed discussing a community impact type event and a co-op owned buyers club. 

    Some of the topics discussed within the community impact group were

    Community Gardening

    Community enrichment

    Potlucks

    Fellowship

    We are looking for an owner volunteer to take the lead on continuing these conversations. If this is you contact Arte at louisvillecommunitygrocery@gmail.com to get plugged in.

    Some of the topics discussed within the buyers club workgroup were

    Engaging with food vendors

    Delivery

    Group buying power

    Buying selling groceries now

    LCG Owner Barry Z. has begun conversations within the groups online message board. Check this message from Barry:

    I want to seed the conversation with a few ideas and give you all a chance to approve, reject, revise, or replace them before I start writing in more detail.

    I am thinking in terms of a “soft launch” for LCG, which might take the form of a buying club and may take another form that involves establishing accounts with one or more food suppliers, selling food and perhaps other items on a regular schedule, getting LCG members involved, and spreading the word that we exist and are working toward a full-scale local grocery. 

    -Barry Z

    –Read More 

    https://groups.google.com/g/lcg-buying-club/c/ulaNX-KYxZM/m/D8c-1m4GAgAJ

    If you would like to join the conversation send Arte an email at louisvillecommunitygrocery@gmail.com

    These are exciting times for the co-op. Your response to our hard work has truly been inspiring. I for one am feeling charged up and capable of solving our communities food access issues. 

    Thank you again for you time

    -Arte

  • LCG Tech Update

    LCG Tech Update

    LCG tech projects are going pretty well. We have been making regular updates to our “Cooler Blog”. This site is built on the WordPress platform, which was chosen because it is open source and user friendly.  The co-op needs volunteers to help with posting articles to our blog. Ideally tech savvy volunteers who are willing to learn the platform and respond to board and committee post requests.

    Currently the co-op would like to clean up its web domains and set them up so that we can create email addresses like Board_President@louisvillecommunitygrocery.com. We own a few other web domains as well. We would like to coral all of them under one domain registrar. We are looking for any owner volunteers who may have these skill sets to assist in planning for this project.

    If you are interested in volunteering and getting hands on in the development of LCG’s tech platform consider joining the LCG Tech Crew. This group operates primarily remotely and is responsible for solving the technology needs for the co-op. Send a message to Arte at louisvillecommunitygrocery@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering for any of these projects or to join the LCG Tech Crew.

    -Thanks

    Arte

  • Why has it taken so long to open the Louisville Community Grocery?

    Why has it taken so long to open the Louisville Community Grocery?

    Our co-founders began meeting in the Portland neighborhood in the fall of
    2015 and founded LACE in 2017. Organizing meetings moved around
    neighborhoods as they wanted to connect with residents who had been
    affected by recently closed grocery stores (from 2016 to 2018, five stores
    closed within the Watterson/city core), then landed in Russell for a while. We
    incorporated the LCG in 2019 and kicked off a soft launch owners campaign. We organized into committees with LACE members to conduct the work of
    our co-op. COVID-19 affected our ability to host our monthly in-person
    owners’ meetings, and we didn’t return to that. Nevertheless, the work
    continued.

    Over the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022, we secured philanthropic funding
    for LACE and predevelopment activities, land from the Community
    Foundation of Louisville, and a $3.5M bond issuance from Louisville Metro
    Government. Co-founder of LACE and LCG, Cassia Herron, resigned as
    LACE’s board chair in the fall of 2021 and soon after, LACE hired executive
    staff to oversee its mission, and the two entities began having problems.

    LACE did not follow the plans Herron left to guide the efforts to develop the
    land, build the business, and engage residents and owners in the process, and began going at the work alone. By 2023 the relationship between our co- op’s leadership and LACE had completely fallen apart and officially ended in
    2024.


    In 2024, our newly elected board and a handful of owners worked to regain
    access to the co-op’s assets created with LACE that LACE retained control
    of when the partnership dissolved. We conducted an updated market study
    that maintained the property at Finzer was still the best property to pursue for
    our store (along with a Louisville Metro Housing Association property in
    Russell). In 2025, we learned that the Finzer site was acquired by the
    Smoketown Community Land Trust. When we approached them about
    building our grocery store there, they indicated they were not yet ready to
    make a decision about how to use the property.


    In 2025, LCG was awarded a grant for research regarding our future site. This
    research was completed and shared with the LCG ownership at the February
    2026 Owners Meeting. We are currently considering options for how to move
    forward.

  • Owners Meal & Meeting 2/19/2026

    Owners Meal & Meeting 2/19/2026

    Quick recap

    The meeting was well attended and focused on discussing the future of Louisville Community Grocery (LCG), a cooperative grocery initiative, following the dissolution of its partnership with LACE. MK Lindsey presented case studies of successful food co-ops across the country, highlighting different business models and operational approaches. The group explored four potential paths forward: transferring operations to another entity, finding a developer for property development, establishing a food hub/distribution center, or continuing with the current mission. Roger Quinn, president of the Arthur Kling Old Louisville Community Center, offered his facility as a potential location for a food hub operation. The conversation ended with discussions about Board membership expansion and the need for continued owner engagement through 4 active committees, with door prizes awarded to several attendees.

    Summary

    Cooperative Enterprise Financial Stability

    The meeting focused on the financial status and future steps for a cooperative enterprise. The Board reported that the LCG finances are stable for at least two years. The lenders have expressed confidence in the group’s mission, allowing them to manage the funds responsibly. The discussion also touched on the importance of community representation and the need for sustainable strategies to achieve their goals.

    Co-op Leadership and Development Updates

    The Board discussed the need for a finance chair to support the new treasurer and emphasized the importance of financial oversight for the co-op’s credibility. They also highlighted the need for a co-op owner to take on the role of Board secretary. They mentioned the ongoing survey about the co-op’s future, which remains split between two options, and encouraged attendees to consider alternative paths forward. They concluded by introducing the Site Selection and Business Development Committees’ work, noting their shift from focusing on the Finzer property to exploring new options due to delays in the Smoketown Community Land Trust’s development plans.

    Co-op Grocery Store Insights

    The meeting focused on a presentation by MK Lindsey, who shared insights from her research on co-op grocery stores, including a case study of the Dorchester Food Co-op in Boston. Lindsey highlighted the co-op’s demographic alignment with the group’s target areas, its lease model, and the challenges of long-term rent increases. She also discussed the co-op’s investment in infrastructure, such as walk-in coolers, and its reliance on grants, community investment, and traditional debt financing. The presentation concluded with a reflection on the Dorchester’s regret of not implementing pickup and delivery services earlier, which they felt was costing them revenue.

    MK Lindsey presented three case studies: a co-op that faced financial challenges but was stabilized by a 10-year grant, Weaver Street Market in North Carolina which achieved significant scale through vertical integration and community-focused practices, and Eastside Food Co-op in Minneapolis which doubled in size through a successful expansion. The discussion highlighted key factors for success including member capital, strong partnerships, careful site selection, and community engagement. 

    Grocery Store Development Strategy

    The Board presented a strengths/weakness/opportunities/threats (SWOT) analysis highlighting opportunities such as new grocery stores in The Highlands in Louisville, as well as potential partnerships with housing authorities and local farmers. However, challenges were also noted, including the complexity of real estate deals and the need to determine store operations and staffing. The group also reviewed their timeline since 2015, including past negotiations with Louisville Metro Government for bond funding and their current efforts to move forward after dissolving a partnership with LACE.

    Community Grocery Initiative Future Plans

    The meeting focused on discussing the future of LCG, exploring various paths forward including partnering with a community center, continuing development of a brick-and-mortar store, or creating a food hub. The group discussed the possibility of using the Arthur Kling Old Louisville Community Center’s basement space as a temporary location, with the Center’s president offering to provide the space on a revenue-sharing model. The conversation ended with announcements about the upcoming Ownership and Outreach committee meeting on March 2nd by Zoom, Board membership roles open (seeking 5), and a call for volunteers to help with fruit tree pruning in community gardens (Reach out to Amanda for more information).

    Please contact LouisvilleCommunityGrocery@gmail.com with questions, to volunteer, and to receive calendar invitations to upcoming committee meetings.

  • Where will the grocery store be located?

    Where will the grocery store be located?

    February 17, 2026

    As a reminder, the Finzer site that LACE was gifted on our behalf is now in the possession of REBOUND who will gift the property to the Smoketown Community Land Trust (SCLT). We have spent the last year exploring a partnership with the SCLT and a few months ago learned the SCLT has leased the Finzer site to a construction company over the next two years and is not prioritizing developing the site at this time.

    We secured funding from The Reinvestment Fund’s Healthy Food and Financing Initiative recently to explore partnerships and development opportunities. We contracted with MK Lindsey, a local development consultant, who conducted some very timely research on a number of other co-ops as well as site leads. At the February 19th, 2026 Owners Meal and Meeting, the LCG Board will present on her report and engage owners about a way forward. 

    Over the course of our organizing, we have considered over two dozen properties in Old Louisville, Smoketown, Shelby Park, Russell, Portland, Shawnee and Parkland. These neighborhoods were chosen due to the food access needs and the residents’ interest in cooperative economics, demonstrated by their participation in New Roots’ Fresh Stops. Two market studies (2020, 2024) were conducted. The search in both studies identified properties with the best potential in Smoketown and Russell. 

    We are in the process of deciding, and that’s where our Owners come in. Ultimately, it will be through a vote of the Owners that the destination is decided.

  • What is an LCA?

    What is an LCA?

    Why is Louisville Community Grocery set up as an LCA?

    An LCA is a Limited Cooperative Association. This is a specific legal structure that combines features of a traditional corporation and a cooperative. For this particular community-owned business, it defines the following operational and ownership rules: 

    • Member Ownership: The organization is owned and run jointly by its members, who share in benefits or profits. Full member-ownership is established at a $150 equity contribution.
    • Voting Rights: The LCA structure manages a split voting system between different classes of owners. In general votes, consumer owners hold 60% of the voting power, while worker owners hold 40%.
    • Purpose: It operates as a “bottom-up” business designed to address food access, create jobs, and improve health outcomes in Louisville’s west and central neighborhoods.
  • Join Our Finance Team

    Join Our Finance Team


    Finance team responsibilities & job descriptions    
    According to financial policies & practices

    Treasurer, under direction of the President & the Board:

    Chiefly responsible for managing Savings and Checking accounts with L&N and Park Community Credit Unions, including all fund transfers (currently fewer than 8 automatic payments per month).

    • Serves as one of two authorized signatories on all bank accounts, or to execute any decisions about loans and investment accounts.
    • Knowledge of QuickBooks accounting is needed.
    • Monthly Finance Reports for the Board are required.

    Teamwork:

    • Works with the Finance Committee and the Board to develop the Annual Budget.
    • Keeps all financial records in order: Works with a Bookkeeper (currently an external contractor) and Finance Committee Chair (seat currently vacant) to guarantee that all invoices are accurate and comply with the budget; invoices should be attached to QuickBooks entry; accounts are balanced; and all records of accounts payable, investments (including Owner shares and loans), and reimbursables are correctly filed.
    • Confirms with the correct Committee Chair that all expenditures, including reimbursement requests, are approved and fall within their budget line-item.

    Finance Committee Chairperson:

    Chiefly responsible for constant oversight and assistance that assures LCG’s practices comply with LCG Financial Policies and Procedures, including conducting occasional internal audits. 

    • Serves as second signatory on all bank accounts and checks.
    • Initiates creation of the Annual Budget and constantly monitors compliance.  
    • Manages Tax preparation and compliance with required Federal & State reporting.     
    • Receives and reviews all requests for reimbursement from Committee Chairs to guarantee accuracy and compliance with LCG’s Budget.
    • With Committee members and the Board, considers any changes to policies and procedures that may be needed.
    • Works with other Committees, including Funds Development, to provide timely information and reports, as necessary.  

    Finance Committee Members:

    Attend Finance Committee meetings. Assist the Finance Chair and Treasurer in carrying out the LCG Finance Policies and Procedures, consider changes needed, and work with the Board and other committees to provide timely information and reports as necessary.

    Contact louisvillecommunitygrocery@gmail.com with questions about these responsibilities and job descriptions. 

  •  A Letter from Enthusiastic Owners

     A Letter from Enthusiastic Owners

    December 23, 2025

    Dear Owners of Louisville Community Grocery,

    In October, our small but mighty board of directors reached out with some critical facts about the state of our co-op and an email survey asking, “Should we stay or should we go?” There were 12 responses to the survey, about half of which said ‘stay’ and half who said ‘go’. But, then 7 of us showed up at the potluck in November with renewed energy.

    Read more:  A Letter from Enthusiastic Owners

    Out of that meeting, we reinstated an Owners and Outreach (O & O) Committee and a strong resolve to move forward. The Co-op’s goal has always been to build a cooperatively owned grocery store that supports the local economy by providing healthy and affordable food through just and equitable food practices, employment and ownership. We strongly believe this goal is important and worthy of the work to make it happen. We have 600 owners who have financially invested in this goal. There are about a dozen of us currently investing volunteer hours working towards it. If you feel pulled to join us, we would like to plug you in. You have talents, ideas, and positive energy to share, and we’re here for it!

    Tap back in. Will you commit to attending our Owners Meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6 – 8 p.m? RSVP using this calendar link.

    We believe that while our Business Development and Site Selection Committees continue to work on finding the partners and place for our future brick & mortar grocery, we as a Co-op can show up in critical Louisville spaces and provide the affordable groceries needed now. With this in mind, the O & O committee and the Board are exploring two exciting proposals for affordable grocery programs that Louisville Community Grocery may begin in 2026 with enough Co-op volunteer help. Those will be presented at the Owners Meeting in February, but if you want to know more or help in the exploration, drop us an email at louisvillecommunitygrocery@gmail.com and ask us anything.

    Please plan to attend our Owners Meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026 and be ready to say ‘yes’ to one or two volunteer opportunities presented on that evening.

    Signed,

    LaiEsha Allen

    Emily Boone

    Ivor Chodkowski

    SteVon Edwards

    Kaitlin Franklin

    Michelle Lori

    Rachelle Seger