Prairie Food Co-op

Opening the Doors was Only the Beginning.

After years of work and support from thousands of Owners, Prairie Food Co-op opened its doors in July 2025. Our community finally has its own full-service, community-owned grocery store.

But sales have not yet reached the level needed for PFC to operate sustainably. Like many new businesses, PFC needs additional working capital as we grow our customer base, increase sales, strengthen operations, and work toward break-even.

The Board and Operations team have launched several new initiatives to increase sales and attract more shoppers, with additional initiatives underway. Our Rooted for Good campaign seeks to raise $300,000 to provide critical working capital and give these strategies time to have impact.  Without a successful campaign, PFC is unlikely to have the working capital needed to remain open. 

How You Can Help. 

1.  Invest Directly.  Current PFC Owners who are residents of Illinois are eligible to participate in our Community Investment Program. For more information, visit https://www.prairiefood.coop/cip. 
2. Donate.  You can make a tax-deductible contribution through our fiscal sponsor, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS, to support PFC's educational and charitable programs, including programs that support low-income shoppers. 
   • Simply click the green “Donate” button on this page and select "Prairie Food Co-op" in the Fund Designation field.
   • Through our fiscal sponsor, we are also able to accept gifts via Donor Advised Fund, Required Minimum Distributions, preferred stock, and more. Contact us at invest@prairiefood.coop if you'd like to learn more about these options.  
3. Other ways to support PFC.  Make Prairie Food your first stop to shop--every basket counts! Spread the word to friends and neighbors, and introduce someone new to the co-op.  If your situation allows, consider setting aside your Owner discount until we've turned sales around. 

Why PFC Matters.

Prairie Food Co-op is more than a place to shop. It's a community-owned investment in local farmers, producers, workers, families, and a more resilient local food system.  And as a cooperative, PFC is accountable to its community, not distant shareholders. If you believe the co-op is worth keeping in our community, now is the time to help.  

 We built the store together. Now let's build a sustainable future. 

As its fiscal sponsor, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS will use your gift to benefit the Prairie Food Co-op in a manner consistent with the Fund's mission to support the wise use and development of cooperatively owned businesses.