Infrastructure for Families. For Farmers. For Food. For Everyone.
Families, farmers, food, and the conversations that hold them together — our work is all about creating the connections that make rural life strong. From fresh groceries to seasonal markets, from shared spaces to shared stories, these initiatives form the everyday infrastructure our community today and tomorrow can count on.
Altruism
Integrity
Unity
Belonging
Adaptability
Wisdom
Vigilance
Connection
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Measuring the Impact
Big change doesn’t always need big budgets. With modest resources and a lot of persistence, we’ve built systems that feed people, strengthen local economies, and cut down on the miles between farms and tables.
7,708
Local Grocery orders fulfilled through the Co-op in under 18 months.
2400,000 lbs
Estimated CO₂ reduction from shorter supply chains.
15.9x
Economic return achieved for every dollar invested.
3,000 (+++)
Volunteer hours contributed to FCC initiatives.
1,425+
Vendor Booths filled over the past 5 years
95%
Reduction in food miles compared to national averages.
$140,000+
Direct income paid to local farmers, producers, and other creatives
100% Community Backed
No large grants. No corporate funding. Just people believing this matters.
Our Projects
Winter Markets & Community Rummage Sale
Over the '24 - '25 Winter we hosted 3 winter markets which were a huge success. In the spring we opened up our parking lot for a community rummage sale for locals looking to resell unused items.
Bi-Weekly Yoga Classes
We partnered with yoga instructor and horticultural therapist Amy Lynn Nau, to bring relaxing hatha yoga classes to New Melle. The classes were held in our sanctuary space and featured beginner friendly poses and guided meditation-followed by a glass of wine on the last day.
4 Week Garden Course
We offered a back-to-the-basics garden course to inspiring local gardeners in the area. The beginner’s deep dive into transforming your space into the grocery store, the pharmacy, the spa, and cash saver, was a success and concluded with a visit at our former shared farming operation.
8 Week Local Food CSA
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program is a model that connects people directly to farmers by offering shares of fresh, locally grown, seasonal food. Members paid upfront for a designated period, and in return, received a weekly o share of produce. Our CSA was a success and we provided hundreds of pounds of seasonal veggies…
The New Melle Pulse
FCC Board Members Wyatt Gober and Liv Vitale started The New Melle Pulse to unite listeners on common ground over trending community topics. They cover everything from rural development, local infrastructure, food + food systems, and more. Liv and Wyatt try to bring up topics that are underdeveloped or lacking in public conversation in order…
Event and Venue Space
We offer spaces on our property that community members can rent at affordable rates. Our facility has a sanctuary space which can host weddings, and larger events; and we also have a hall for dining, classes, or other events that may require kitchen access. We plan to upgrade our facility continually to be able provide…
Thrive Theatrics STL Partnership
We partnered with Thrive Theatrics STL theater company to provide opportunities for the youth in the community to participate in theater productions. Thrive is led by Tess Speizio. Her mission is to bring classes, plays, and community around theater. The first play held at FCC, The Little Mermaid sold out, and the next production is…
Summer Farmer’s Market
Now in it's 5th season, the New Melle Country Market runs every Saturday from the first week in May to the last week in October. From 8AM - 12PM, local farmer's craftsmen, chefs, and creators gather in our parking lot to bring their local goods to the community members who show up to purchase them.…
New Melle Food Co-op & Cafe
The New Melle Food Co-op was a primarily volunteer ran local grocery store that housed food from 50+ local producers in one location for people to purchase. It was free to join the Co-op, and as a member you enjoyed access to fresh produce, milk, cheese, bread, meat, bulk dry and wet goods, pantry items,…
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Community.... that's our Purpose
The Ripple Effect
Proven Local Food Circulation
We’ve moved $228,000 of local food through our community in under two years — most of it straight back into farmers’ and makers’ pockets.
Fresh Food Isn't Close
In our area, finding seasonal produce without driving miles is rare. Without local access, families compromise on quality, nutrition, and connection to where food comes from.
Farms Face the Margins
Small producers often sell at prices that barely cover costs. Without steady outlets, they risk closing — taking fresh, nutrient-rich food out of our community.
Steady Outlet for Farmers
Our market and co-op give small producers consistent, profitable places to sell, keeping farms viable and fresh food in our community.
Space Working for Everyone
From youth nights at the cafe to farmers’ meetings, our spaces are designed for real use — flexible, welcoming, and made to handle daily life in New Melle.
Few Gathering Spaces
Few places exist where all ages can meet without spending money. Without them, neighbors become strangers and ideas stay isolated instead of shared.
Short Term Fixes Alone
Without long-term infrastructure, we keep patching problems instead of solving them. It leaves families, farmers, and local food systems vulnerable to the next disruption.
Built to Last, Not Just Launch
Our model grows from what’s here — proven practices, trusted relationships, and infrastructure designed to serve families and farmers year after year.
It Takes a Village
Make a Zero Risk Pledge Today
Campaign For Continued Success
Unlike other donation models, our campaign is using a conditional pledge program. This means you make a pledge today, no money exchanged, and only if we reach our goal, will we reach out to collect your pledge.
Everything Counts
5 Years of Planning (and counting) For This
Years of work, research, late nights, and community input are behind what you see today. For us, transparency is important every step of the way. We’ve shared everything regarding who we are, what we’ve done, and what we plan to do. Explore our data room where you will find the plans, the proof, and the next steps forward
- Master Planning Document
- Pitch Deck
- Board Member Profiles
- Financial Plans
- Photo Gallery By Initiatives
- Our Guiding Values
Volunteer Leadership from the Working Class
Treasurer | Full time Mom and Owner of Heartland Homes
Jackie Ginther
Creative Director | Full time Mom and Owner of Blazing Trails Productions
Liv Vitale
Secretary | Professional Nanny & Business Organizer
Elizabeth Erkel
Vice-President | Full time Mom & Master Naturalist
Gina Ackermann
President | Tree Worker & Application Developer
Wyatt Gober
