Real Food Connections local food store closer to fruition

A Fredericton-based local food operation is a step closer to opening a grocery store in Saint John,which would feature locally-produced food items.

Real Food Connections raised more than $270,000 from 181 investors in southern New Brunswick. The amount raised exceeded its goal by $50,000.

Levi Lawrence runs the operation,and he hopes to secure a location for the grocery store within the next month and open by the summer.

The plan is to carry more than1,500 products from 120 or so producers.

Lawrence is now focusing his efforts on consulting with shareholders to figure out the best location.He says that involves several challenges, such as finding a facility with enough space and good parking access.

"A third of our business, at least, is distributing and wholesale and shipping and receiving, so we need to make sure we have that capacity as well," said Lawrence.