Food Co-Op Offers alternative to Coporations

Healthy foods, both for the body and for the earth, is the goal of the new co-op coming to downtown Harrisonburg. The co-op is also looking to be a center for community learning and input while providing an alternative to large corporate supermarkets only looking for a profit.

The idea for this co-op stemmed from the closing of the Little Store, run by the Little Grill Collective. In the year since the Little Store closed, a steering committee formed to explore the possibilities of opening another store to take its place. The idea for a co-op was born and has grown into a plan. Friday, February 9 was a milestone for all involved as the steering committee hosted a celebration to introduce themselves to the community.

The celebration packed the Hardesty Higgins House in downtown Harrisonburg as members of the community stopped in for food, music, and to learn more about the co-op. Those that came had a chance to vote on the name of the co-op and also to purchase an equity share. These shares, sold at $200, are the financial backing needed to open the store and also allow members of the community to be part owners and have a say in the direction of the co-op.

Faculty members Ted Grimsrud, Jerry Holsopple, and Marike Janzen all showed their support by attending the celebration. One of the concerns that they are hoping the co-op meets is the need for locally grown foods and organic foods. Janzen feels the co-op will bring the community together with the proposed café while also supporting local farmers, bakers, etc. "I think people working together to create the kind of place they want to live is positive," stated Holsopple. Grimsrud has already committed to the co-op by purchasing an equity share.

The plan includes offering locally grown, pesticide and additive free foods, specialty health foods such as gluten free items and dairy alternatives, as well as regular groceries. The actual offerings could change somewhat depending on the input of the holders of equity shares. The store is scheduled to open sometime in the fall or 2008 or spring of 2009.

While equity shares are being sold that will allow someone to have input in the running of the business, the co-op will offer groceries for everyone. Owners will get to share in the profits of the co-op during good years and get special bulk order opportunities. The owners will receive occasional promotional or special discounts but there will not be surcharges for those that have not bought shares. The co-op's mission statement articulates their goals. Their "intention is to create the Friendly City Foods Co-op as a consumer-owned, democratically-run cooperative that will operate a retail grocery store that emphasizes healthy foods, quality goods, and local products."

There are many opportunities to get involved with this initiative. Besides buying a share, they are currently seeking people to help enhance their web presence and spread the word of the co-op. After the store opens, volunteers will be needed to staff the store, learn more about healthy foods and to assist others in the community become better educated.

Check out their website for more info.