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Farmers Market

Local Roots & FoodSphere Campaign for a New Building
to Call Home

Local Roots and FoodSphere share a vision of supporting local farmers, producers and artisans, and bringing people together in healthy, sustainable ways, which in turn, benefits our community. Imagine a vibrant local food sphere that promotes jobs, thriving businesses, agriculture and a healthy planet. This is all possible through a collaborative capital campaign.

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Prospective New Local Roots Exterior

What does this mean?

In 15 years of business as a local foods cooperative, Local Roots has grown right alongside our founders, farmers, producers, chefs, staff, members, customers and community. Today, Local Roots is bursting at the seams and a physical expansion is vital.


Thus, we are thrilled to commence our Local Roots & FoodSphere Campaign for a New Building to Call Home!  Wooster Local Foods Cooperative, d.b.a. Local Roots Market & Cafe, is partnering with FoodSphere, a local  501(c)(3) nonprofit, to make this expansion a reality.

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Based on community feedback, the expansion will include:

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  • a larger market space for the cafe, grocery and artisan items to increase inventory and sales

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  • a shared use commercial kitchen for existing and start-up food producers

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  • office space for both Local Roots and FoodSphere who will provide onsite business support

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  • an open air space for community programming

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  • solar power and energy efficient equipment upgrades

 

The capital campaign committee has been working hard behind the scenes and is pleased to share that we have already received funds from invested community leaders, local supporters and grants.  We are also proud to announce we have campaign pledges from the entire staff and both boards!  But, we cannot finish this important investment in our future without partners like you.  We need your support in this new season of growth. 

 

The Wayne County Community Foundation is administering the campaign fund to provide our donors with a seamless donation process and payment flexibility.  You can make a tax deductible donation by CLICKING HERE or mail a check to WCCF (517 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691) with “Local Roots & FoodSphere Campaign” in the memo.

 

We look forward to working with you on this important community development project!

Fundraising Update
Nov. '24

Dear Friends of Local Roots,​

 

Our campaign journey continues! A huge thank you to all those who have helped get us this far! We are forging ahead with the expansion of Local Roots Market and FoodSphere, and we want to take the 1-year anniversary of the purchase of our new building to update you on our progress, as well as some of the challenges ahead.

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Since we launched our Capital Campaign in May of 2023, FoodSphere has:

  • Purchased our future building location at 146 W. South Street in Wooster

  • Secured $1,023,612 of funding, including:

    • $518,400 in local, state, or federal grants

    • $299,712 in private donations

    • $205,500 in pledged donations

  • Continued to write new grant applications, including four upcoming in 2025

 

In addition to the campaign activity, Local Roots has:

  • Added 29 new producers and artisans to our market shelves

  • Added 7 new chefs and kitchen renters

  • Introduced two new community programs

    • ​ProducePERKS - offering healthy fruits & vegetables to under-served families

    • Project Chop - a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Wooster to bring healthy afterschool snacks to children in the program

  • Been highlighted on The Sound of Ideas on WKSU and City Centric on PBS​​

Of course, no year-long campaign and major renovation project occurs without challenges. Several grant programs have proven to be fiercely competitive, and we face the pressure of rising construction costs in the form of higher-than-expected bids for the renovation project.


We remain dedicated to moving into our new location across the street in late 2025. We are working with our architects on updated drawings and will be seeking new competitive bids from contractors. Our community fundraising goal in this next phase of the campaign, to get the market up and running in the new location, is $1 million.  Whether you are a new supporter, or considering an additional donation, now is the perfect time: From November 15-30, any donation to the campaign will be matched $1 for $1 (up to $3000)! The more we raise, the more work we can accomplish now, and the more leverage we have for future grants.

 

You can make your tax-deductible donation by mailing a check to the Wayne County Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St., Wooster OH 44691, with “Local Roots & FoodSphere Campaign” in the memo. Or visit the link below to be taken directly to the donation site. 

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A big thank you to all those who have contributed to the campaign so far and make our future expansion possible. 

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