This year, we’re excited to present the 2024 Valley Treasure award to the Friendly City Food Co-op. Since opening its doors in Harrisonburg in 2011, the co-op has made a lasting impact on the local community and beyond, providing local, organic and allergy-friendly food and products while building a stronger connection between people and producers.

Friendly City Food Co-op was started by a group of committed community members who wanted a local grocery store with healthy, local food options. Their vision came to life through the 100% community-owned co-op, starting with just a handful of owners and now expanding to over three thousand. This model means the co-op will always truly serve the community, meeting the real-time needs of owners, shoppers and producers.

Friendly City Food Co-op is about more than just accessing healthy, local food—it’s about building community. In their own words, the co-op’s intent is to create fair and friendly relationships, a vibrant local economy, healthy and informed consumers, and to be good stewards of the environment through conscientious and sustainable use of resources.

At the Alliance, we work hard to protect agricultural land and support the farmers and producers who steward it and the communities that benefit from their efforts. Friendly City Food Co-op’s commitment to connect people to their local farmers and producers with an eye towards a vibrant economy, healthy communities and environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with our mission.

As one of the nominators put it, “Having a locally owned grocery store is good for the community in countless ways, but here are a few that come easily to mind. The downtown area was a food desert and desperately needed a place to buy real food. The store brings the community together with lots of classes and opportunities to have a voice over products they carry.”

Join us in celebrating Friendly City Food Co-op on Friday, October 18th at 10 AM. We will honor both the Friendly City Food Co-op and North Star Sari Carp with a special ceremony at the co-op’s patio area. You can watch the live recording here.

The celebration will continue on Saturday, October 19th at the co-op’s annual Community Harvest Party from 1 PM to 5 PM. We’ll be set up with some special treats for all the owners and shoppers who have made the co-op possible (while supplies last!).