Good news for this town in Gironde, a grocery store like no other is about to open

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This is a very beautiful and promising citizen initiative that the town of Caumont is preparing to welcome. In a few months, “Les Épiculteurs”, a participatory grocery store, will take up residence in the former premises of Petit Caumontoir, made available free of charge by the town hall of this village in the south of Gironde. The opening is expected in spring 2025.

Lucie and Fabien want to highlight local producers

This innovative project, financially supported by the Departmentaims to create a friendly living space around the sale of local products.

At the origin of this unusual grocery store, we find Lucie and Fabien, two driving members of the eponymous non-profit association. Their goal? Offer local products at profitable prices for producers, while promoting social ties within the municipality.

A participatory and supportive concept

The operation of the “Epiculteurs” is based on the commitment of its members. Everyone is asked to give two to five hours of their time each month to ensure the management and proper functioning of the structure. A way of minimize operating costs and to involve the local population.

“It’s a different model of consumption and commerce, based on mutual aid and citizen participation,” emphasizes Lucie.

A friendly place in the heart of the village

Beyond commerce, the grocery store aims to become a real meeting place and exchanges. A café area and a shared kitchen will make it possible to organize various friendly events, supported by volunteers or local associations.

“The idea is to have both a grocery store selling local products and a warm place to meet around a coffee or a culinary workshop,” explains Fabien, himself a producer of wine, eggs and soon organic olive oil.

Déjà around forty families got involved in the adventure since the launch of the project in February 2024. But the association hopes to bring together more people between now and the opening in order to ensure the sustainability of the grocery store. All talents are welcome to contribute their skills, from the community manager to the handyman to the cooking enthusiast!

With Véronique Cherpantier

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