We are strongly supportive of “slow food” principles, but with a critical eye for practicality and providing a benefit to our neighbors regardless of their interest in slow food. We can’t be all things to all people, but we can be a great thing for our neighbors.
Our mission is to provide affordable, healthier and local foods to SE Indianapolis residents and beyond. Although we believe we should offer organic products to those who wish to purchase them, we also find that access to conventional fruits and vegetables is very limited in our area. While we also see the market for organic milk, we see many of our neighbors consuming sugar water for $1 a gallon because conventional milk is $3 a gallon or more in our area. We believe we can sell $2/gallon milk and at least get some of those people and their children on healthier food.
We have just hired a consultant to do a market/feasibility study for us. We should have the results by May. At that time, we will be able to complete our business plan and approach major funders and banks for loans and grants.
There is still a lot of work to do, and now is the time to get involved if you want to have an influence on the outcome. We appreciate your interest. Please consider joining our efforts by buying a membership.
Our Marketing Feasibility RFP deadline is next month and with a little luck, we will have a completed study by the end of April 2011. At that point we will have enough information to complete a business plan and start looking for the million or so dollars that we need to make our store happen.
Our goal is to gain 300+ members by the time our business plan is complete.
What can you do in the meantime to help?
Help us reach that goal by getting your friends to join us in creating an affordable healthier grocery choice for SE Indianapolis. Become a member or buy a membership for someone you care for during this holiday season.
Thank you for your support and look for more updates in the future.
Pleasant Run Grocer (PRG) is a member owned community-based grocery store dedicated to serving the needs of local consumers and producers by providing goods and services, education and reasonably priced healthy foods.