Waterloo Co-op Market Opens Before It's Ready to Meet Grant Requirements

WATERLOO- The need to fulfill legal terms of a state Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) grant rushed things just a bit for a new co-op grocery store near downtown Waterloo.

The RiverLoop Public Market Co-op, 327 W. Third St.,  opened before it was ready Friday morning strictly to meet requirements for a CAT grant.  The city of Waterloo received $1-million dollars to go towards riverfront improvements and one of the conditions was the market had to open for business by September 30

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The building itself, which most recently housed a lawn care business, was pretty much ready after extensive remodeling.  But co-op managers said construction and supplier delays kept them from getting the shelves stocked in time to truly welcome customers.

So at the Friday opening, the only thing customers could actually buy was several varieties of apples.

Julie Kiefer, a co-op board founder and manager, said all they could do was ask people who stopped by for patience.

“That's true,” Kiefer said adding “we had to explain all that to them and they've all been very understanding.”

The co-op may have offered only empty space and apples on Friday, but managers expect things to quickly improve.  A regular farmers market takes place on the adjoining plaza Saturday morning and by then the RiverLoop Public Market expects to have baked goods, deli foods, milk, cheese and meat from local producers to sell to customers who go inside.

Rick Kiefer, the co-op board president, said when fully stocked, the only grocery store near downtown Waterloo should provide something that's just not available now.

“This (downtown) is a food desert,” Kiefer said. “There's no grocery stores servicing people who live downtown so it's a public service.  Plus a co-op is a good way for farmers and consumers to get to know each other,” he said.

Kiefer said several hundred people have joined the co-op and will do some of the work to earn credits and discounts on purchases.  For now, he said, you'll just have to consider the market on West Third Street as a work in progress.

The RiverLoop market will open on Saturday, October 1

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because of the outdoor farmers market.  Then members will close Sunday through Wednesday to finish stocking and setting up.  They promise to have locally grown and organic produce, meat and other fresh food available for a real opening next Thursday, October 6

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