Co-op Awards Micro-Loans

by admin

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Thanks to you, four local farms will receive micro-loans totaling close to $15,000 from the Chequamegon Food Co-op to help with farm-related projects this spring. This spring’s micro-loan recipients are as follows:

  • Owner Gilbert Schwartz of Seasonally Sourced in Ashland, Wis. will purchase foraging gear, storage containers, and processing equipment.
  • Owners Rob Hartman and Ashley Smith of Twisting Twig Farm in Bayfield, Wis. will upgrade their photovoltaic system and purchase a back-up generator.
  • Owners Kelsey and Todd Rothe of River Road Farm in Marengo, Wis. will construct a walk-in-cooler inside their barn.
  • Owner Theresa Depies of Springbrook Dairy in Springbrook, Wis. will improve the cheese curds and quark cheese packaging.

Of the nearly $15,000 awarded in this loan cycle, $10,800 came from the Co-op’s CHIP for Change program. CHIP for Change is a contribution program where money given by customers at the Co-op’s registers helps fund the micro-loan program. If you CHIP, you can see what a difference you are making!

The Co-op’s micro-loan program began in 2008 as a way for the cooperative grocery store to invest its profits in the local food system and to potentially provide more local foods for the Co-op’s shelves. These small, no interest loans are capped at $5,000 and have a 3-year payback period. Chequamegon Food Co-op offers micro-loans in the spring and fall. The next micro-loan application deadline is Tuesday, September 1, 2015. For an application, please visit our Community Funding page.