CMBA had the opportunity to attend one of the Lewiston-Auburn Community Market’s (LACM) community engagement sessions on June 26 at the Auburn Public Library. Alongside other curious community members, we learned about the recent progress of this ambitious community-owned project.
The evening included updates on the development, information about becoming a member-owner, and a chance to sample some of the delicious dishes planned for the market’s future hot bar.
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Arlo Hennessey, informed us that LACM is being developed as a multi-stakeholder cooperative, bringing together producer, worker, and consumer member-owners to collectively shape and govern the organization. The vision includes a multicultural cooperative grocery, a community food court showcasing local food entrepreneurs, a shared commercial kitchen, rentable cold and dry food storage, and flexible community space. With the grocery store and commercial kitchen at its core, the project aims to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, expand access to culturally diverse foods, and strengthen the region’s local food economy.
We were especially interested to learn about LACM’s commitment to reducing food waste through partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that surplus prepared food is donated whenever possible. While enveloping Cooperative Principle 7: Concern for Community into operational design, this also reflects a strong spirit of collaboration, with community partners helping to shape programming and expand the cooperative’s impact.
For those interested in learning more, a recent Sun Journal article clearly outlines the latest progress on the approximately $10 million development, which will transform the former Lewiston police station by Kennedy Park into a vibrant, community-owned food hub.
As Maine’s cooperative economy continues to grow, LACM represents an inspiring example of how cooperative ownership can strengthen local food systems, support entrepreneurship, and build community wealth. We encourage everyone to follow the project’s progress and consider becoming a member-owner.
Find out more about Cooperative Principle 7: Concern for Community in the ICA Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles (p. 85)