History
Fare Share’s roots go back to the early 1970’s, when a group of families formed the West Paris Goat Co-op. The group gathered monthly in a member’s barn to jointly order cases of produce and bulk food. In those days, you couldn’t buy organic food anywhere else in the Oxford Hills! Participation grew, and in 1978 two storefront co-ops opened, in Bethel and South Paris. The one in South Paris became known as Fare Share, and incorporated in 1978 as Oxford Hills Food and Nutrition Exchange, Inc.
In 1980, Fare Share moved to the former Paris Farmer’s Union building on Tannery Street in Norway. We did business there for 21 years and grew at a slow and steady pace, faithfully serving our members and others in the Oxford Hills.
In 2000, the Town of Norway, wanting a grocery store on Main Street, offered us an historic but decrepit building with a long history as a post office, car dealership, and bakery. Supported by thousands of hours of volunteer labor, member loans and donations, business donations, a Maine Community Development Block Grant and long-term low-interest loans from the Town of Norway and the federal Rural Development Agency (USDA), we expanded our store in the new, highly-visible location on 443 Main Street. Our grand opening in April 2001 celebrated the collaboration—and sweat equity—of many.
Since 2001, we’ve not only run a natural foods market; we’ve added two more dimensions. The sunny and accessible Fare Share Commons provides a welcoming and inspiring space to build a healthy and sustainable community via community dialogue on the connections between food, sustainable living and social issues; self-expression and the arts; and information and resource sharing. Upstairs Rental Space is available for non-profit organizations and others who enjoy being part of a healthy and vibrant downtown community.
Fare Share Co-op has changed a lot since the early 1970’s. We remain rooted in our founding values and continue to be guided by our member-owners. We continue to serve our community’s need for healthy food, and are also addressing issues of fair trade, local purchasing and a variety of sustainability questions.
Sales & Specials
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Fare Share Owners! 10% off Maine and local items in January. |
Events & Meetings
Over 60 attended the Feast of Little Feats on December 10. Thank you to all who donated gifts of time, money, art and other wonderful auction items, music, and great food.
News & Alerts
THE SAME CO-OP VALUES. ONE MORE WAY TO SERVE OUR MEMBER-OWNERS. In the final stages, SOON! Fare Share's bright and beautiful new website will be available with on line shopping capabiliity.
