Share-Ws Inc

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“Winston-salem, nc, the principal city in forsyth county, has multiple "food deserts,- or residential areas where there are no full-service grocery stores, offering produce and other fresh foods, within a radius of one mile. These "food deserts" are located in areas of the city where the median family income is at or near the federal poverty level. According to a 2017 study commissioned by the city of winston-salem, an estimated 17% of forsyth county residents experienced food insecurity in 2014. An estimated 38% of poor forsyth county residents live in a "food desert," in a county with a population of over 360,000. Residents of "food deserts" are normally afflicted by multiple disadvantages. They typically lack reliable transportation, which diminishes their opportunity for living wage employment and access to healthy food options. Their predicament results in their perception of having no alternatives except to utilize local convenience stores and other fast food options. Therefore, the overall value of what they typically access is restricted, diminished, and overpriced. Education which includes cooking, nutrition, and food shopping, can address these misconceptions. For many residents of "food deserts" the primary consequence is the reduced access to healthy, nutritious food, and other healthy alternatives. Food insecurity unquestionably adds to serious health problems, such as type 1 diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Share-ws, inc., plans, as a key part of its mission, the goals of providing advocacy and food education for the winston-salem/ forsyth county community about nutrition, good eating habits, and healthy food choices. Share-ws, inc., will work with food consortiums and local government agencies to establish food policy and will advocate for sustainable food production, job creation and local commerce. Share-ws, inc., is an autonomous organization; separate from the share cooperative of winston-salem. While the share cooperative of winston-salem plans to establish a grocery store which will be owned by the members of the cooperative, share-ws, inc. Has no plans to be a grocery store or to sell food. Because of the demographics inherent with food deserts, it is particularly important to advise "low- income" residents, to consider the benefits of being collaborative. By promoting the establishment of member-owned grocery stores in low-income areas, share-ws, inc., will encourage the economic development of the communities where the stores provide jobs and economic viability. Share-ws, inc., will continue to organize and promote wellness through food, and work on developing policies and remedies that eliminate systemic food insecurity.”

“Share is establishing "a full-service retail food market in a food desert," in winston-salem, north carolina. Our vision is to provide wholesome, fresh food, at a reasonable price, thereby eliminating food insecurity for an underserved population. The share food market (dba, the harvest market) will off-set "food insecurity," help business development, and create jobs within the community. Share has been working on this project for more than 4 years. In that time: - our member base has expanded to more than 450 members. - we have mobilized funding from multiple sources, including members and foundations. - contractors and vendors for architectural drawings and food service equipment have been acquired. - we implemented our ecommerce site to actively begin selling groceries through our point-of-sale system. - opened and operating the sale of foods through our beta-site (the harvest mini market). - hired an ecommerce coordinator and several staff members, - initiated and operating our food pharmacy project; a collaboration with the united health centers, winston-salem, nc., to give patients food vouchers to improve their health, and we have - secured the services of a local accounting firm for our bookkeeping and financial reporting needs. Construction within the main store in the west salem shopping center, has begun. We anticipate a store opening in 8-10 months. This community and economic initiative, with your help, would improve public health through healthy food, create approximately 26 jobs, and produce measurable community & economic development.”

“Book / tax depreciation difference -8,475”