Gardiner Food Co-op charts path through pandemic With the help of an anonymous gift and federal stimulus money, the community-owned cooperative seeks to rebuild toward long-term sustainability. Share Brooke Andre studies a window display of flowers and produce Thursday at the Gardiner Food Co-op & Cafe at 269 Water St. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal GARDINER — Even before the spread of a new, highly contagious virus shuttered economies around Maine and the world about 14 months ago, the Gardiner Food Co-op & Cafe had hit a rough patch. In the way of disguised blessings, the COVID-19 pandemic may be the vehicle that keeps the co-op at 269 Water St. in business.