West Des Moines Grocery Startup Donor Offers ‘Significant’ Match

, the struggling member-based startup in , is reporting some positive developments after announcing last month that it without additional capital.

In that plea, the co-op’s board asked members to consider making low-interest, short-term loans of at least $1,000.

"We need capital in the form of member loans or gifts in order to keep the store open,” founding board member Linda Gobberdiel wrote. “Many co-ops ask their members for loans and we are no exception.”

Loan terms of five to 10 years with a variable interest rate of 0 to 4.5 percent are possible. Loans will only be made to residents to Iowa due to state and federal regulations governing the cooperative, the email said.

In an email this week, the directors reported that “while we have had only a few members willing to provide gifts and loans directly (from $500 to $5,000), we’ve had support come in a variety of forms -- giving us all the potential to help in other ways.”

One member who provided Tallgrass with a significant loan is willing to match any loans or gifts that are offered by other members by forgiving our debt in the same amount, according to the email.

“This is a great gift considering what the Co-op should be able to save,” the directors wrote. “And a great reason for our members to reconsider a loan or gift.

The “bottom line,” according to the directors, is whether members and supporters want Tallgrass to “survive and thrive.”

The cooperative’s directors said steps are being taken to increase sales and reduce expenses, but member help is needed.

Some tips to help Tallgrass to grow:

• Vote weekly with your grocery dollars. If you don’t see what you need or want at the co-op, let store employees know.
• Support the co-op by joining the “members recruiting members” campaign. For every new member recruited, you and the new member will receive a $25 gift certificate. “We are only as strong as our members,” according to the email. “We don’t have a marketing budget right now. You need to be the face of Tallgrass.
• Help with organizing a fundraising event in the coming weeks – or support it when it happens. Do you have fundraising or event-organizing skills? The co-op needs your help with these skills now so we can reach farther into the community.
• Become a volunteer. The co-op is implementing a volunteer program where members can help in the store to help reduce its costs. 
• Help create a sense of community. Tallgrass differs from other retail establishments in Greater Des Moines where similar products can be purchased, the email said, because “we are a community that supports local farmers; promotes good health through nutritious, safe food; and works for the common good. Tallgrass was started so that all who support the community profit from its existence equally – and profit doesn’t always mean in the form of dollars.”

Tallgrass directors are Chuck Denton, Joann Tucker, Linda Gobberdiel, Sherrie Taha, Carlyn Crowe, Staci Appel and Kelsey Byus.