Six and a half years after the Delridge Grocery Cooperative was launched as the Delridge Produce Cooperative, it’s at a key point in its growth toward making its store a reality. You can help by talking with DGC volunteers about becoming a member when you see them at their pop-up farm stand during tomorrow’s Delridge Day festival (11 am-3 pm Saturday in Delridge Community Center Park). According to the community e-mail update they’ve sent this week, they’re looking for a “substantial surge in membership” as Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund reviews their application for the loan they need to get the store open; the potential build-out money set aside by DESC, owner of the Cottage Grove Commons building in which the store would be located, is contingent on that loan. DGC says, “The next two weeks are critical. … When we get our loan, permitting and buildout can begin immediately. We’ve come so far and just need a few more members to secure final funding. Become a member now, or ask a friend to join the co-op.” The update continues:

Co-op members can vote on important co-op decisions, run for a seat on the board, and share in profits. Most importantly, members help bring healthy food to the Delridge neighborhood.

Co-op memberships can be paid in installments starting at $5, paying as you can. A full lifetime membership costs $100. We ask members to pay the full $100 if they are able, however, no members are turned away for lack of funds and any amount helps us reach our goal.

Join (or make an installment payment on your balance) online here or by mailing a check to: Delridge Grocery, PO Box 16792, Seattle, WA 98116.

We’ve been chronicling the group since its launch in February 2009. The name changed to Delridge Grocery Cooperative in 2013 to reflect the focus on opening the store. (DGC is also a member of the WSB sponsor team.)