Marquette residents already know the
Marquette Food Co-Op is moving to a new, much bigger location. Now, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced the expansion will come with its support, to the tune of a $615,000 Michigan Community Revitalization Program grant.
Along with that, the City of Marquette will give the food cooperative $115,000 in the form of a tax abatement. All of that is to support the new expansion of the co-op, because it's predicted to generate $3.4 million in new investment in downtown Marquette, and also will add up to 30 new jobs in the downtown.
The co-op is on its third expansion in the last decade, although it's been around since 1972. This time, it is renovating two large buildings on Marquette's main drag, Washington Street. It also will provide space for a regional food hub, to include a teaching kitchen, classroom and cold storage for local food distribution.
"The award of this Community Revitalization Program grant to the Marquette Food Co-op impacts far more than just the co-op itself. This expansion of our operations and services benefits all the member-owners of this cooperative, and many others throughout the Upper Peninsula," says the co-op's general manager, Matt Gougeon. "By helping to bring affordable healthy food choices, food education, and small farm advocacy under one roof in downtown Marquette, this grant and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation along with the Michigan Strategic Fund have, in effect, partnered with thousands of Upper Peninsula residents."
Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Marquette Food Co-Op
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