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Food store members split over Medford plan By DANI DODGE About two dozen people showed up in Medford Saturday afternoon to discuss the possibility of Ashland Community Food Store developing a second store in Medford. "There's a lot of consciousness among people in Medford," said Judith Foltz of Eagle Point. "Consciousness about what they put in their bodies ... consciousness about the environment. "If there was a community food store in Medford it would be supported in a big way." Ashland Community Food Store developed from a food cooperative in 1972. The not-for-profit organization has 4,500 members and annual sales of more than $6 million. Late last year, board members commissioned a feasibility study for development of a second store, part of the organization's long-term goals. Saturday's meeting in Medford was the last of three community meetings with members to discuss the idea. Board members most likely will decide this month whether to pursue the option of a second store. The feasibility study showed it was a good idea. Medford members of Ashland Community Food Store who attended Saturday's meeting above the former Grub Street Grill, thought it was a great idea. "The present stores in Medford have some organics, but nothing that meets my needs," said Marilyn Mountain, of Medford. "So like everybody else here, I go to Ashland to get my organics." Some food store members from Ashland, however, expressed concerns about the plan. One member was concerned that the board wasn't sharing the results of the consultant's study, nor talking about the possible sites for the second store. Another was worried about whether Medford could generate the support necessary to build a successful community food store that is not just about food merchandising but about lifestyle and philosophy. "Is there that nucleus of support for this in Medford?" asked Ron McIntyre of Ashland. "I certainly don't want the Ashland store to go down the tubes because of what's happening in Medford." Board member Peter Quince said that he has spoken to the store's financial analyst and there is no possibility that failure of a Medford expansion could hurt Ashland's thriving store. "If worse came to absolutely worst, the sales in the Ashland store would cover costs," he said. "Even if the consultants are dead wrong and it all goes up in flames ... we wouldn't jeopardize the business." Food store members from outside Ashland stressed that the desire for a holistic lifestyle reaches beyond the boundaries of Ashland. Hedy Schoonover of Jacksonville urged the Ashland members not to "hoard" the philosophy and community of their store, but to share with a larger region. "There's a tremendous longing everywhere in this community for what you have," said Schoonover. "People want to connect in a meaningful way -- and the longing is palpable." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA