In February 2026, YSCF entered into a Letter of Intent agreement with Jeff Gray, current owner of Tom’s Market, with the intent to purchase Tom’s after a 90 day due diligence period.
YSCF recognizes the critical importance of having a grocery store in downtown Yellow Springs. The grocery, with a long history of local ownership, is a vital economic engine for downtown Yellow Springs and provides an accessible food option for community members. YSCF’s investment in the grocery store seeks to ensure that there remains a locally-owned grocery store in Yellow Springs for years to come.
Yellow Springs Community Market Fund
The Yellow Springs Community Market Fund is set up for the specific purpose of supporting the financial needs of a community ownership model for the grocery store. Donations and pledges are both accepted. Once a community-ownership board or council is created, they will serve as the fund advisors for this fund and will be able to use the funding to support pursuit of community ownership of the grocery store.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of February 13, 2026, YSCF has signed a Letter of Intent with Jeff Gray, owner of Tom’s, to purchase Tom’s after a 90-day due diligence period.
The primary changes will be investments in staff, equipment, and aesthetics to ensure the business continues to remain in stable financial standing.
YSCF has put together a task force of community members with relevant experience who are focused on supporting the ownership transition and recruitment and support of a new manager. Kumar Jensen is serving as the primary point of contact for this group. The best way to contact Kumar is via email.
Tom’s staff are its biggest asset and all are vital members of the Yellow Springs community. We are communicating directly with staff to ensure they are informed throughout the process. It is our hope that staff will want to continue in their roles and support this ownership transition.
YSCF views the Tom’s Market purchase not as an act of charity or as a grant, but instead as an impact investment that aligns with its strategic goals of investing in the community. Therefore YSCF is using investment funds to fund the purchase.
YSCF will help ensure smooth operations and stability of the grocery for two years while the community organizes around a community ownership model capable of taking on business operations of the market.
Community ownership is a broad term that includes different kinds of co-ops as well as emphasizing the importance of ownership that prioritizes the grocery as a vital community asset.
YSCF sees its role as ensuring the responsible operations of the grocery store first and foremost. Secondarily, YSCF is committed to supporting the community in organizing around a community ownership model. This support may include providing funding for facilitation and meetings, workshops, help with financial, business, and legal questions, and more.
This process is still unfolding, but for now, you can sign up for updates. More to come soon.
