What is a co-op?

Our Goals
We are helping to build a sustainable community by

• providing quality products and honest information
• encouraging member involvement and responding to members’ needs
• purchasing from local farmers and artisans, therefore bypassing the cost and ecological effects of transportation and packaging
• creating a sustainable economy by supporting socially and environmentally responsible businesses
• educating ourselves and our community about food, healthy lifestyles, the environment, and human rights
• using ethical business and employment practices
• respecting diversity
• providing a community hub for events, information, and networking
  

Cooperatives worldwide follow the following six principles created by the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society in 1844-- the seventh principle was adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance in 1995.

1) Voluntary and open membership: Anyone can be a member
2) Democratic member control: One vote per member
3) Member economic participation: A member share is an investment in the co-op
4) Autonomy and independence: Owned by members and for the benefit of members
5) Education, training, and information: Education for members and staff
6) Cooperation among cooperatives: Co-ops help and share information with other co-ops
7) Concern for the community: Community networking—events, communication, donations


Here are some links to great co-ops across the country, so you can get an idea of what we are striving to become:

Bellingham, WA:
http://communityfood.coop/index.html

Albuquerque, NM:
http://lamontanita.coop/

Portland, OR:
http://www.peoples.coop/

Fort Collins, CO:
http://fcfood.coop/