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Tacoma will get a lit­tle food-friendlier. Since 2006, a group of dedicated locals have been working to establish a place where fresh, local, non-chemically raped food can be found by all interested in looking, and, better yet, a place for the community to come together, connect and grow. And the years of active recruitment and planning will pay off when the Tacoma Food Co-op opens its doors Aug. 26 at 3002 Sixth Ave. and to be the city's only one-stop shop for local, sustainable and fresh foods and household items.

The official word has arrived via a press release:

Tacoma will get a lit­tle food-friendlier. Since 2006, a group of dedicated locals have been working to establish a place where fresh, local, non-chemically raped food can be found by all interested in looking, and, better yet, a place for the community to come together, connect and grow. And the years of active recruitment and planning will pay off when the Tacoma Food Co-op opens its doors Aug. 26 at 3002 Sixth Ave. and to be the city's only one-stop shop for local, sustainable and fresh foods and household items.

The official word has arrived via a press release:

"This couldn't happen at a better time for Tacoma," says Corrinne Henderson, President of the Co-op. "People are increasingly questioning where their food is coming from and the best ways to nourish their families. Washington is lucky to have some of the best farmers and growers on the west coast and we're incredibly excited to provide an affordable bridge from their farms to Tacoma's dinner tables."

The Co-op effort began in 2006 with a small group of Tacoma residents who saw a need for an urban grocery that would provide locally-sourced fresh and organic foods. After several years of laying the groundwork and crunching numbers, the Co-op this year finalized plans to take over the Neighborhood Market location at 6th & Junett. The business launched an aggressive membership and fundraising drive and successfully has recruited more than 750 members and raised more than $200,000.

The Co-op will officially open on August 26 and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Both members and non-members are welcome to shop at the store. The Co-op will also host a Grand Opening Celebration all day on September 10 featuring local growers, musicians and more.

The store will boast an abundance of fresh local produce and baked goods, locally grown meats, specialty items such as raw milk and gluten-free foods, the start of what will be an expansive selection of bulk foods, as well as natural household and personal care products.

For more information about the Co-op and how to become a member, visit www.tacomafoodcoop.com.

LINK: Previously in the Weekly Volcano