About 70 people showed up last night for the South Philly Food Co-op community forum to learn about the soon-to-be member-controlled co-op for local and organic groceries (for those who don’t want to visit Lancaster County every time they need more bread).

The co-op will be a place where anyone can shop, although to make this idea a reality, members are needed; lifetime membership is a refundable $200 and to get this off the ground, the committee estimates needing about 500-1000 members before the co-op can officially open. Right now there is no location set, but after 87 percent of the 900 surveys taken of the Graduate Hospital, Point Breeze, Passyunk Square, East Passyunk Crossing and Pennsport neighborhoods came back in favor of this South Philly co-op, we don’t think a specific location will deter very many people.

A planned second survey and continued fundraising will help the committees hone their plan, secure financing and ensure a  late 2012/early 2013 opening. The co-op plans on incorporating by the end of the summer, which is when they will start their first membership drive.

To become a member, volunteer to spread the word or voice your opinion, click here.