Placerville Food Co-op aims to buy longtime building with $200K fund drive

The Placerville Food Co-op has launched a 90-day capital campaign to raise $200,000 toward the purchase of the building it has occupied for the past 14 years, aiming to secure its long-term future in El Dorado County.

The community-owned natural foods grocery store at 535 Placerville Drive is seeking the funds to cover a required 10% down payment and related closing costs on the $1.425 million purchase. As of Saturday, the campaign had raised $30,000, according to the co-op.

“This is a huge moment, opportunity and step forward in our community owned food co-op history,” general manager Jacob Mingle said. “Purchasing the building will add wealth, financial security and operational stability to our strong little co-op.”

The remaining 90% of the purchase price is expected to be financed through River Valley Community Bank and the Local Enterprise Assistance Fund. The co-op’s lease expires in August 2027, and relocation costs could range from $1.5 million to $3.5 million if it were forced to move, Mingle said.

Community members can support the campaign through tax-deductible donations administered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, rounding up purchases at the register, or settling membership equity balances. New memberships, which require a $300 equity share, also count toward the fundraising goal.

“At this moment, we are asking for members to pitch in,” Mingle said. “And if many people choose to help in small ways, it can make a large impact.”

For more information, email hello@placervillefood.coop with “Capital Campaign” in the subject line.