orangeclouds115 ([info]orangeclouds115) wrote in [info]daily_granola,
@ 2005-03-30 00:01:00
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Shop at a Local Coop
Where I live you can get anything from groceries to preschool to healthcare from a coop.

Shop at a Local Coop

Taken from NCBA.org:
A cooperative is a business. Co-ops range in size from small store-fronts to large Fortune 500 companies. In many ways, they're like any other business; but in several important ways they're unique and different.

Cooperatives—
  • Are owned and democratically controlled by their members-the people who use the co-op's services or buy its goods-not by outside investors; Co-op members elect their board of director from within the membership.
  • Return surplus revenues (income over expenses and investment) to members proportionate to their use of the cooperative, not proportionate to their "investment" or ownership share.
  • Are motivated not by profit, but by service-to meet their members' needs for affordable and high quality goods or services;
  • Exist solely to meet the serve their members.
  • Pay taxes on income kept within the co-op for investment and reserves. Surplus revenues from the co-op are returned to individual members who pay taxes on that income.
Search Food Coops (many are members of the Organic Trade Association)

Recommended Coops
Edited: I added the links from the comments

Arizona: Food Conspiracy
California - Northern: North Coast Co-op, Alvarado St Bakery
Delaware: Newark Natural Foods
Indiana: Bloomingfoods
Minnesota: Mississippi Market, The Wedge, Good Food Store Coop
Nebraska: Open Harvest
New Jersey: George Street
Washington: Group Health Cooperative-Puget Sound
Wisconsin: Willy St Coop, Group Health Cooperative, Nature's Bakery, Mifflin Coop

Know of a coop in your area? - Post it in the comments w/ any other info about it :)

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[info]meldawen
2005-03-30 04:50 pm UTC (link)
On this same note, drop your bank and join a credit union. All of the above information applies to credit unions as well. Most areas have a credit union for people who live in the area or work at a certain place, etc. And if you have a family member who is a member of the CU, usually that's enough to get you in.

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[info]orangeclouds115
2005-03-30 11:46 pm UTC (link)
I can put up a post on this soon. Used to work in the CU industry...fun times.

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[info]pseudonymous
2005-03-30 05:27 pm UTC (link)
The George Street Co-op, New Brunswick, NJ.

I just joined, and it's about 200 members strong. A great variety of organic and whole foods, as well as treats like organic chocolate, sorbet, and other good stuff... Nummy!

I haven't yet had the chance to get too involved with the community yet, but the co-op itself relies on member work as well as contributions to thrive. People are really welcoming and friendly, and they run/hold all kinds of events and meetings for members to participate in. I'm psyched. :)

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[info]orangeclouds115
2005-04-27 08:26 am UTC (link)
I added this to the original post. thanks!

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[info]shesanightowl
2005-03-31 03:35 am UTC (link)
In Minneapolis/ St. Paul, there are Mississippi Markets (http://www.msmarket.coop/) and The Wedge (http://www.wedge.coop/). Yay!

Also, if you live in an area with few/no cooperative or locally-owned local/organic/fair trade food stores, I recommend checking out CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture (http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa/csadef.htm). Many of the farms that participate in this are organic, sustainable, and small, family-owned. To find a program near you, or just to learn more about how it works, visit http://www.localharvest.org/

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[info]banyan
2005-04-01 06:13 pm UTC (link)
in tucson the food conspiracy (http://www.foodconspiracy.org) is a really great place to go, although it is rather small. there are also a number of farmer's markets, and there's this guy who sells boxes of locally grown organic produce (http://terracyclefarms.com).

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[info]ebonyoutcast
2005-04-02 08:53 am UTC (link)
Hi. first post.

In Newark Delaware, there is the Newark Natural Foods Coop (http://www.newarknaturalfoods.com/) Me and the man have been members for about 6 months now. Very nice, very intelligent, laid back staff. They have a great selection all kinds of organic foods and plenty of vegan items to choose from. On sundays, in the warmer weather, they have a farmer's market featuring local organic farmers. The best thing is that when i shop, (when I have a few extra dollars) there is a juice bar two doors down.

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[info]orangeclouds115
2005-04-27 08:27 am UTC (link)
I added this to the original post. Thanks!

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[info]rubygloomrox
2005-04-05 06:48 pm UTC (link)
For that matter, I recommend shopping at a lot of locally owned businesses. Not just the coops. I know Walmart seems to be on every corner, but they really do drive others out of business. Since Walmart came to our town I can think of 4 or 5 businesses that have shut their doors for good.

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[info]orangeclouds115
2005-04-27 08:28 am UTC (link)
Check out http://www.purpleocean.org

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[info]we_are_pliable
2005-04-14 02:30 pm UTC (link)
Bloomingfoods, in Bloomington, IN, has a restaurant, two cafes, a farmers' market, and two stores.

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[info]orangeclouds115
2005-04-27 08:27 am UTC (link)
Added to original post

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