The Lost River Market Story (Part 1)

Lost River Market began as an idea. Together, as a community, we have the power to affect positive change within our communities and the world. Margaret Mead says it as eloquently as anyone, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” With the success of Orange County HomeGrown and particularly the Orleans Farmers Market, a small group of individuals from Orange County, Indiana knew this to be true. In 2005, a meeting was called for anyone interested in learning more about starting a member owned cooperative grocery store. The meeting drew approximately 60 local community members, and the group discussed the impact and feasibility of a cooperative market in Paoli. Was this possible to do here and is it worth pursuing? The group saw the store being a center piece for the community, serving the needs of local growers, consumers, and producers. At the end of the meeting, the question was presented, is a market of this nature something we want here in Paoli? It was a unanimous decision, a co-operative was wanted and needed in Orange County.. and so it began.