🔒Farmington natural foods store changes hands, will become a co-op

A longtime natural foods store in Farmington has changed hands and will become operated under a cooperative ownership model. The Better Living Center, which has operated since 1973, will become the Farmington Food Co-op on April 1. It will maintain the site at 181 Front St. in Farmington and offer many of the same products. The transition is being led by a group of 13 community members. “This is happening because the community wanted it,” said Amber Stone, who will be the interim general manager of the Farmington Food Co-op. “When a business becomes locally owned, it becomes so much more than a retail space — it becomes a hub where community, local values and, in our case, delicious food, come together,' Stone added. "It’s a living, breathing example of cooperation, trust and long-term commitment to place. This is a shared investment in Farmington’s future.”

1973 roots

The Better Living Center was founded by Dave and Betty McCormachie in 1973. Their goal was to offer natural and organic groceries, local produce, bulk foods, wellness products and everyday staples. Products from Maine were a priority. The business has gone through a few ownership changes over the years. In 2000, it was sold to Wally and Becky Sumner, who, 20 years later, sold it to Wayne Drake, who added a location in Lisbon. Through the changes, the mission in Farmington remained the same, Drake said. “I’ve been involved with the BLC in some manner since 1999. When I had the opportunity to buy the store in 2020, the main goal was to create a sustainable path forward," Drake said in a news release. "Initially, it was through COVID and then through record-breaking inflation. Through it all, our customers stayed with us and we were even able to expand to a new community in Lisbon." He indicated that it was time for a change. "As we look to the challenges of the future, it was clear to me this mission needed a new structure and more resources," Drake said. "I’m so grateful to the Farmington Food Co-op for seeing the vision, believing in the mission and working so hard to make this a reality. The best is yet to come." Hours will remain the same, with the current staff remaining in place. The cooperative business model will give customers a chance to become co-owners through a membership model. Members will elect a board of directors, help guide the store’s direction and share in the long-term success of the business. Lifetime memberships will cost a one-time fee of $150. A lower fee of $50 is available to those in need, and other options may be available as well. Customers do not need a membership to shop at the Better Living Center.