On June 10^th, 2007, Ariel Zevon was met with 300 people at her door.  While surprising, it was quite welcome.  The culmination of many years of hard work, the Local Community Agricultural Exchange (L.A.C.E.) opened in downtown Barre with a weekend of events that included a ribbon cutting, parade and music.  “There were about 300 people at the ribbon cutting, and then they flooded the store” said Zevon, owner and creator of L.A.C.E. “We were flying by the seat of our pants that first day.”

 The idea for L.A.C.E. was born as Zevon, a resident of Barre, became disheartened with the lack of access to food grown in surrounding communities.  Farmers markets provided products once a week, but only during the summer months.  L.A.C.E. connects local family farms to the public – every day, and all year round.  The beautifully renovated space at 70 South Main Street is more than just a market.  The Farm Fresh Café provides breakfast and lunch, using food from local producers. “The purpose of the café is to highlight what’s in season, and give people ideas of how to use local produce” note Zevon.

 The Café also serves as community center. “Next week we have a farmer’s group coming in to meet” says Zevon.  “Groups contact us when they need space.” L.A.C.E. also includes a Farm to Community Kitchen Connection, which provides a fully licensed commercial kitchen for community members to prepare food to be sold at the market.  L.A.C.E. also has a strong educational component and has a learning program to keep the public informed about agricultural practices and innovations. Also notable is the children’s area that has been wildly popular with younger patrons.

 At the center of the various elements is the market, which provides small farmers and outlet for their products.  “We still have farms contacting us weekly” says Zevon. “It’s great.” All food in the grocery comes from Vermont companies. “We’re trying to help smaller companies by showcasing their products.”

 Perhaps most rewarding is being able to provide high-quality, local food to a community that has been lacking a downtown grocery for years.  “As soon as we opened the door, people were here buying radishes” says Zevon.  “People wanted milk, eggs and meat without having to go across town.  When we first moved into this space and started renovating, I noticed that the people living next door were shopping at Family Dollar for food.  There was nothing downtown.  That really got the fire going.”

 VCLF was pleased to help L.A.C.E. get up and running by providing partial financing for the start-up costs. LA.C.E. is located at 70 South Main St. in downtown Barre, and is open everyday except for Monday.  Visit them in person, or online at www.lacevt.org.