When the idea of a community-owned grocery store begins to take root, it rarely starts with shelves and shopping carts. Instead, it starts with neighbors — people who believe food can connect a community more deeply than any national chain ever could.
That belief sits at the heart of the Winchester Co-Op Market, a grassroots effort working to bring a member-owned grocery store to the city. During this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael reconnects with board leaders Michael Daryabeygi, vice president, and Christina McCarthy, board secretary, to explore where the project stands, how cooperatives work, and why now is the right moment for Winchester to embrace this model.
A Model Rooted in Cooperation
Michael's passion for cooperatives began long before the Winchester project. Having previously worked at the Takoma Park–Silver Spring Food Co-Op, he saw firsthand how cooperative businesses respond directly to the needs of the communities they serve.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, food co-ops operate under a democratic ownership model. Members aren't just customers — they are owners and voters, guiding major decisions that shape the organization's future.
Christina expands on that idea, explaining that cooperatives are not new or experimental. In fact, they've existed for centuries across cultures and continents. From farming cooperatives to credit unions, the model thrives on shared resources and collective decision-making.
Although the Winchester Co-Op Market is not a nonprofit, it is a "not-for-profit" business — meaning profits remain local and benefit the community rather than distant shareholders.
Why Winchester — and Why Now
Winchester's agricultural heritage plays a major role in the project's momentum. Both Michael and Christina see renewed interest in local farming, regional food systems, and sustainable purchasing habits.
As consumers increasingly question where their food comes from, the co-op offers an alternative — one that supports local growers, producers, and makers while strengthening the local economy.
Janet compares the vision to open-air markets found throughout Europe: places where food shopping feels personal, local, and deeply connected to community life. While the Winchester Co-Op won't mirror those markets exactly, the spirit remains the same — neighbors supporting neighbors.
Building a Grocery Store Takes More Than Good Intentions
Starting a cooperative is not a quick or simple process. Christina makes it clear that this isn't something that happens over a few planning meetings.
The board follows a national startup framework supported by the Food Co-Op Initiative, which emphasizes long-term sustainability over speed. Across the country, some cooperatives spend years building membership before opening their doors.
The Winchester group has already developed a strategic plan — a detailed roadmap outlining membership goals, timelines, feasibility studies, and funding benchmarks. That plan guides every step forward.
Importantly, the effort remains entirely volunteer-driven.
"No one's getting paid," Christina explains. Board members donate their time, skills, and energy because they believe deeply in what the co-op can mean for the community.
Membership: The Engine That Moves Everything Forward
At this stage, membership is the foundation of the entire project.
A Winchester Co-Op membership is a one-time $200 household investment. Each household receives one vote, reinforcing the democratic structure of the organization. Members help decide everything from product priorities to how profits are eventually reinvested into the community.
Membership funds don't build shelves yet — they build credibility.
These dollars support feasibility studies, professional consultants, market research, and planning expertise. Just as importantly, they demonstrate community buy-in to lenders and partners evaluating the project's viability.
Christina emphasizes that you don't have to be a member to shop at the store once it opens. Membership simply allows residents to shape the vision and guide decisions.
Strength in Numbers
While $200 may seem small on its own, collective participation creates real momentum.
Janet draws a parallel to community fundraising models — where individual contributions add up quickly when hundreds of people believe in the same goal. The co-op relies on that exact principle.
The response so far has been encouraging. Community picnics and informational events have drawn stronger attendance than expected, fueling both enthusiasm and confidence.
Even supporters from outside the region have joined — including former residents and seasonal visitors who want to invest in Winchester's future.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Movement
Not everyone can afford membership — and the board understands that. Volunteers play an equally vital role.
At this stage, the co-op relies on community members willing to help spread the word, attend events, and lend professional skills when possible. From marketing and planning to outreach and research, every contribution matters.
To support this next phase, the organization is preparing for a volunteer recruitment fair in February, preceded by two major educational events in January.
Learning from a National Voice
To help residents better understand cooperatives, the Winchester Co-Op Market is welcoming Jon Steinman, author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-Ops in the Age of Grocery Giants.
Steinman brings international experience, having served as an elected director of Canada's largest consumer retail co-op. His work explores how food systems evolved — and how communities can reclaim them.
Two events will anchor his visit:
- January 27: A volunteer training session designed to help advocates clearly explain the co-op model
- January 28: A public community talk at Winchester Brew Works, open to anyone curious about cooperatives
Both events emphasize conversation, education, and community connection — complete with shared food and local collaboration.
Creating Community Through Food
Beyond logistics and planning, one theme echoes throughout the conversation: connection.
Christina describes cooperatives as places with a distinct feel — a different energy, smell, and rhythm than traditional grocery stores. They are spaces where food becomes a gathering point, not just a transaction.
Michael adds that co-ops across the country form a tight-knit network, sharing lessons and supporting one another's growth. Winchester's effort is part of something much larger — a national movement focused on rebuilding local food systems.
Staying Informed and Getting Involved
For residents interested in following the journey, the Winchester Co-Op Market offers multiple entry points:
- Membership opportunities
- Volunteer sign-ups
- Educational events
- A regularly published newsletter cleverly titled "The Local Beets"
The newsletter shares project updates, explains cooperative principles, and highlights how local food choices can impact families and communities.
A Vision Built Together
As the conversation closes, one message rings especially clear: this project isn't about groceries alone.
It's about preserving local identity. It's about keeping dollars circulating close to home. And it's about giving Winchester residents a voice in how their food system works.
The Winchester Co-Op Market remains a work in progress — but with growing membership, dedicated volunteers, and strong community interest, the foundation is firmly in place.
