Editor’s Note 8/1/10: The Courant reports that the buying club has since stopped operation.
Not satisfied with the local farmers’ markets or smaller grocery markets, some residents of the Hollander are attempting to start a food buying club. They write that the first order will be submitted on May 25th, with pick-up on May 27th. There is a one-time $25 application fee, followed by a $10 monthly administrative and delivery fee, plus the cost of the actual groceries. It is said that this buying club is a stepping stone on the path to opening an actual grocery store at 410 Asylum Street. They write:
A grocery store has been discussed for decades as being vital to the City, its’ residents and visitors. We are doing it: building community and bringing affordable, local, and natural food and goods to our Capitol. We prove to the naysayers that Hartford is changing. No longer the “Rising Star” city half-way between New York and Boston, we are reviving community downtown. Thank you being part of the movement!
You can view the membership form here and read more about buying clubs here. Basically, one places a group order for various goods, and then picks them up at a designated time and place. Other food buying clubs have been attempted in Hartford in the past.
Here are some other thoughts on the food situation in the city:
Listing of 2010 Farmers’ Markets (Note: two are downtown and two are easy walking distance from downtown)