Farmers Fresh Market, a brand new grocery store in Ignacio, Colorado, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 3. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m., led by store owners and local dignitaries.

When Ignacio's Shur-Valu grocery store closed in 2014, two local families, the Lees and the McClanahans, sought support from the Colorado Fresh Food Financing Fund (CO4F) to help bring fresh food back to their community. The CO4F is a partnership between Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and the Colorado Health Foundation, created to increase fresh food access across Colorado.

"Farmers Fresh Market is the first CO4F project in western Colorado," said Steve Johnson, CHFA community development director. "CHFA was pleased to award a $408,000 loan to support the store build."

The CO4F loan was used to provide part of the construction financing, in partnership with Vectra Bank of Colorado's Durango office, and to provide permanent financing.

Farmers Fresh Market is a 22,000-square-foot grocery store offering fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, and baked goods. The grocer supports more than 40 jobs.

"Being longtime area residents and business owners, we knew how important this new store would be to our town," said Amos Lee, the store's general manager. "The CO4F financing helped bring Farmers Fresh Market to life, and it's gratifying to provide our shoppers with a variety of fresh food options."

Town administration emphasized the important role the store plays not only as a fresh grocery retail resource, but as a foundation for positive social impact,

"The new Farmers Fresh Market helps promote the social interaction that creates strong dynamic communities," said Dan Naiman, the community development director for the town of Ignacio. "Now we are very proud and excited for our new jewel in the center of town. Please come and see for yourself."