ORANGE — Members of the Quabbin Harvest in downtown Orange can visit the co-op today during member appreciation day, where they’ll receive 10 percent off merchandise, excluding consignment items, CSA shares and member equity payments.
Cathy Stanton, chairwoman of the board of directors, said the co-op has around 670 members, but hopes to add more than 100 through a campaign to push their message into the community. Quabbin Harvest has been at 12 North Main St. since 2014, and strives to be a hub for the local food movement.
Stanton said buying local allows money to stay in the local economy.
“Because we are a membership organization, some of our funding base comes from member equity, so everybody owns a little piece of the co-op,” she said. “One of the reasons to join a co-op is once it is profitable, you share the profits. We don’t have that yet, but we are getting there. But we do want to have benefits for our members.”
Community members from the North Quabbin region and beyond interested in joining Quabbin Harvest can pay a one-time $120 membership fee. Members, along with appreciation days, can participate in Rose32 Bread pre-orders, bulk buying for 10 percent off shelf price items and receive a discount on home and heating oil purchases through Orange Oil Co. Becoming a member also allows individuals to vote in board elections, or even run for positions on the board.
Stanton said the co-op is starting a new rewards program — if members buy from the shop eight times, they get a little treat. Quabbin Harvest also hosts monthly cooking demonstrations in partnership with The Farm School’s Cristina Garcia for those looking to develop their skills.
“We are trying to nourish ourselves as a community,” said Stanton.