Key Benchmarks

2020-February 2024- Project Feasibility Assessment, Site Control, Preliminary Design Work, Quiet Phase of Capital Campaign

  • The Project began in 2020 when multiple SJC organizations, including the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, the San Juan Islands Food Hub, the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, the SJC Agricultural Resource Committee, Taproot Kitchen, and the Locavores came together in a coordinated effort to address cross-sector challenges of the local food system.  The Lopez Food Center Project Planning Committee was formed with the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) acting as fiscal sponsor for grant application purposes. 
  • During 2021, the Ag Guild received a $166,082 grant from the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) to assess the need for a Lopez Island multi-use food center by conducting a feasibility study and developing a business plan.  Upon completion of a Stakeholder Outreach Survey and Business Plan, community demand for and the financial feasibility of the Lopez Food Center was verified.  See attached reports submitted as supplemental documents.
  • With the support of a group of generous community donors, in February 2023, the Lopez Food Center was able to secure site control for a 1.15-acre parcel of land in Lopez Village.  
  • In 2023, the Ag Guild received a $62,100 grant from USDA Rural Development to fund a portion of Project architectural and engineering costs needed to complete Project design and plans to submit for building permits.
  • In September of 2023, the Lopez Food Center organization was designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) organization.
  • The quiet phase of the Lopez Rooted & Rising capital campaign began in October of 2023.  As of February 2024, approximately $1.9 million has been raised from local donors for the Project.  The public phase of the campaign is expected to begin in the summer of 2024.
  • Board applied for Washington State Legislative Funding Request for Project and received a $197,000 allocation.

March 2024 – December 2024 – Architectural and Engineering Design Completed, Construction Cost Estimates Completed, Submit Application to WA State Dept. of Commerce for Building Communities Grant, Submit for Building Permits

  • The Board hired Ets Architects of Lopez Island in March of 2024.  Based on the Ets contract, design, and engineering work for submission of land use permits is expected to be completed by August 2024. Construction documents for building permits will be completed by November 2024 and application for building permits submitted in December 2024.
  • Proposals were received from 5 contractors to provide construction cost estimating services.   Quantum Construction Inc. of Anacortes, WA was hired. 
  • Board applied for a $950,000 allocation under the 2025 Congressional Discretionary Spending Program
  • April 2024, Board applied for a $65,000 grant from WA Department of Agriculture.
  • August 2024, Board will apply for $1,050,000 from WA Department of Commerce as a Building Communities Grant.

May 2025 – Capital Campaign Continues, Submit Applications to WA State and Foundations for Grants, Prepare Documents for Construction Bids, Building Permits Issues, Award Construction Contract

January 2025 July 2025 – November 2026 – Fundraising Completed, Construction Begins with Substantial Completion Expected by mid 2026.   Project opens in December 2026.