“People tell us over and over again that they wish there were more food options,” Farmer Reuben DeMaster said.”They wish they could support small businesses. They’re tired of going to some of the larger food chains. They’re looking for more of a sense of authenticity and transparency in the food supply.

“And that’s our goal, is to provide that. So we really think that our members and our community members and partners are going to be very supportive of this process.”

This article was originally at the site:  LehighValleyNews.com | By Olivia Marble

Published April 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM EDT

WEISENBERG TWP., Pa. — When Reuben DeMaster of Willow Haven Farm set out to open a new grocery featuring food from local farms, he knew there would be upfront costs.

But he said he didn’t know how many there would be.

“We discovered that, for example, the [state] Department of Environmental Protection has a say in regulating the water,” DeMaster said. “So there is a significant expense to add approved water stores.

“The township has concerns about the electrical systems and it’s going to be asking us to do extensive upgrades to the electrical system in the building.

“And that’s on top of all the expenses just creating a space, getting the equipment, stocking a store.”“People tell us over and over again that they wish there were more food options. They wish they could support small businesses. They’re tired of going to some of the larger food chains. They’re looking for more of a sense of authenticity and transparency in the food supply. And that’s our goal, is to provide that.” Reuben DeMaster of Willow Haven Farm

DeMaster now is looking to raise $50,000 to help pay for those expenses and open an organic grocery store called Willow Haven General Store at 8150 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown.

The location was previously home to Cycledrome bicycle shop.

You can read the rest of the article, including the plan for the store <<HERE>>

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Courtesy Bill Kuklinski
Willow Haven Farm’s current store.

The grocery would be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The 3,800-square-foot space will have a bakery, a children’s farm market play area and a barista, according to the crowdfunding website.

Ready to support our cause?

Visit our crowdfunding page on GiveSendGo to contribute and learn more about the Willow Haven Farm General Store: Willow Haven Farm’s Crowd Funding Campaign

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We’ll keep farming for you!
Reuben and Tessa DeMaster Family

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We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and food on your table that supports that goal.

We’ll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm