Fund Me, KC: Grocery store on Troost needs to bag community support to open, bringing fresh food east

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Kortney Lee who is attempting to expand the footprint of Community Groceries — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new supporters.

Who are you?

Kortney Lee, Crossroads Market

Kortney Lee, owner of Community Groceries in Kansas City, the first third-party grocer to use Amazon’s Fresh tech for its stores.

Community Groceries aims to address the issue of food inequality and limited access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities. The company recognizes challenges such as food deserts, childhood obesity, and the lack of healthy food options in certain areas. The goal of Community Groceries is to make healthy food more accessible and affordable, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of individuals and combating the negative impacts of food inequality.

Click here to check out a recent story about Community Groceries first location in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District.

What does your campaign hope to accomplish?

Our campaign is focused on raising funds to address two key financial challenges faced by Community Groceries. First, we need additional funds to complete the construction of our new store at 3501 Troost Ave., which exceeded the initial budget. This includes finalizing the interior setup, installing necessary equipment, and ensuring a comfortable and welcoming shopping environment for our customers.

Second, we encountered a financial gap due to the depletion of funds from our financial institution. This unforeseen circumstance has hindered our progress and put a strain on our operations. By seeking support from the community, we aim to bridge this gap and ensure the successful completion of the store.

The funds raised through this campaign will play a crucial role in securing the future of Community Groceries, allowing us to provide affordable and accessible healthy food options to underserved communities. We are grateful for any support we receive as it will help us overcome these financial challenges and continue our mission of improving food access and promoting healthy lifestyles.

What’s your ‘why’?

Community Groceries co-owners Jayson Meehan and Bethany Stec; not pictured, co-owners Kortney Lee and Alex French

Our “why” at Community Groceries is rooted in our deep commitment to addressing food inequality and promoting healthier lifestyles in underserved communities. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their income or location, should have access to affordable and nutritious food options.

Childhood obesity, food deserts, and limited access to healthy food are pressing issues that affect the well-being and future of individuals and communities. We are driven by the passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing them with the resources and opportunities to make healthier choices.

Through Community Groceries, we aim to revolutionize the way people shop for groceries, making it more affordable, efficient, and tailored to individual needs. By offering precisely priced products and the flexibility to purchase only what is needed, we tackle issues of waste and unnecessary expenses.

RELATED: Just Walk Out: Crossroads Market features Amazon tech for checkout-free convenience

We believe that by making healthy and fresh food accessible and convenient, we can contribute to improved health outcomes, reduced food insecurity, and empowered communities. Our “why” is the belief that everyone deserves access to quality food, and we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community.

Together, with the support of our community and backers, we can create lasting change and work towards a future where food inequality is minimized, and healthier lifestyles are within reach for all.

How much do you hope to raise with the crowdfunding campaign?

We are seeking to raise $79,100 through our crowdfunding campaign to cover the remaining construction costs of our store. This amount represents the specific funding need we have identified to complete the construction project and bring Community Groceries to fruition.

The funds will be used exclusively for construction-related expenses, such as materials, labor, permits, and any necessary renovations or upgrades. By securing this funding, we can overcome the financial hurdle we currently face and ensure that our store is built to the highest standards, providing a safe, welcoming, and functional space for our customers.

We understand that this is a significant financial goal, but we are committed to transparency and accountability in our fundraising efforts. We believe that with the support of our community and backers, we can successfully raise the necessary funds to complete the construction phase and make Community Groceries a reality.

Your contribution to our campaign will have a direct impact on our progress and enable us to serve our mission of making healthy, affordable food accessible to all. We appreciate your support and belief in our vision, and together, we can create a positive change in our community.

Click here to learn more about donating to Community Groceries’ campaign when it launches.

How do you plan to use the funds?

Community Groceries new store on Troost Avenue

The funds raised through our crowdfunding campaign will be used strategically to fulfill our funding needs and bring our vision to life. Here’s how we plan to allocate the funds:

• Construction costs: The primary use of the funds will be to cover the remaining construction expenses for our store. This includes materials, labor, equipment, and any necessary renovations or repairs to ensure a safe and functional space for our customers. We have estimated that the remaining construction costs amount to $79,100.
• Permits and licenses: We will allocate a portion of the funds to cover the costs associated with obtaining the necessary permits and licenses required for operating our store. This ensures that we comply with all regulatory requirements and can legally operate our business.
• Contingency fund: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise during the construction process or after the store’s opening. To account for any unexpected expenses or contingencies, a small portion of the funds will be set aside as a contingency fund.

We are committed to financial transparency and will ensure that the funds raised through the campaign are used responsibly and effectively to achieve our goals. We will provide regular updates to our backers and supporters on how the funds are being utilized, ensuring that their contributions are making a tangible impact on the success of Community Groceries.

Anything else our readers should know about you or this effort?

We want Startland News’ readers to know that Community Groceries is not just a grocery store — it is a community-driven initiative with a mission to address food inequality and promote healthier lifestyles. We firmly believe that access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their income or location.

By supporting our crowdfunding campaign, you are not only contributing to the completion of our store but also becoming a part of a larger movement towards a more equitable and sustainable food system. Your support will have a direct impact on the communities we serve, empowering individuals to make healthier choices and improving their overall well-being.

We are deeply grateful for any contribution, no matter how big or small. Your support will enable us to provide a positive and transformative grocery shopping experience for individuals and families who have long been deprived of affordable and nutritious food options.

Together, we can make a difference and create a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the communities we serve. Join us in our mission to revolutionize access to healthy food, support local farmers, and build stronger, healthier communities. Your support matters, and we thank you for being a part of this important effort.