Help Us Get Closer to having a Food Co-op in the Fargo-Moorhead Area!

Looking for something to do to pass these cold....blustery....snowy months?  We've got plenty to do and if you want a food co-op, we need your help!  Specifically, we're looking for help with Event Planning--we have a membership drive coming up!  We want to have a ton of fun and generate lots of excitement about good, wholesome, delicious food!

Also looking for Social Media Champion, PR Development, Writers for various media outlets, and Researchers for various small topics (not terribly daunting--we'd provide you with a topic, you choose whether or not to accept the request and report back at an agreed upon time).

Find more information at our Get Involved page.  Please contact us if you'd like to help.  If you don't see something that suits you, but would like to lend your talents, please let us know.

Why Buy Local?

Heard any of this?

Buy Local

Circulate Your Dollars Locally

Support the Local Business

Invest In Your Valley

Of course you have.  I used to think it was just a way to support your neighbor and her business rather than giving it to a big box store and not knowing what's happened to it.  It's more than that.
A local business is likely to spend 45 cents of every dollar locally, where as a corporate chain will spend only 15 cents locally.  When money continues to be spent locally, this creates a multiplier effect; that dollar becomes $1.81

This may not sound like much on the small scale so let's look at it just a bit bigger.  If Jack spends his money locally, it likely will remain local much longer than if he were to spend it at a big box store.  For example, overtime Jack spends $5000 at the Food Co-op, the Co-op buys $2250 worth of vegetables from John, John pays $1012 to Jane for her accounting services, Jane buys a wedding dress from a local retailer for $455, retailer buys dresses from seamstress for $205, and the seamstress buys $92 worth of groceries at the Co-op.  Now, let this not be a lesson in mark-up.  This example doesn't necessarily mean that the retailer has a mark-up over 200%; rather, each time money is spent a local business, that business will spend about 45% of their money locally.

Every dollar that's re-spent locally is equal to a new dollar that comes into the community from abroad.  So, we'll take our original $5000 and add the 45% that continued to be re-spent locally at each business. 

5000 + 2250 + 1012 + 455 + 205 + 92 + 62 (total of all other rounds)= $9076

So, $5000, when spent locally, becomes $4076 extra to the community that normally would have to be brought in somehow.

Now, consider that Jack spends his $5000 at a big box store.  About 85% of this will leave town, leaving only $750 spent locally.

Anytime money leaves town, someone needs to figure out how to get it back.  Why not just keep it local?  If nothing else, at least you know who the money's going to.

Very Important! Volunteer Secretary Needed!

If you want a food co-op, we need someone to fill this request!! 

It has been very valuable to have a recorder at the Coordinating Committee meetings to allow other volunteers to make forward progress on the tasks at hand.  Our current recorder has other endeavors on the horizon and time is running out!  Please respond today if interested!

A volunteer secretary has the following responsibilities.


1. Attends Coordinating Committee meetings (1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 PM)

2. Maintains records of the Coordinating Committee and ensures effective management of organization's records

3. Takes minutes and ensures minutes are distributed to members within 48 hours after each meeting

4. Distributes the agenda and supplemental reports the Wednesday prior to CC meetings, upon input from Coordinating Committee members.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to make accurate records, timeliness, and good nature. Time commitment is approximately 10-15 hours per month.

If interested, please email us with "Volunteer Secretary, Coordinating" in the subject line.  Pass it along if you know someone who may be interested!

Sustainable Farming in Minnesota

Looking for a movie to watch this weekend?  Get the laptop and the popcorn and snuggle up with this short film about Sustainable Farming in Minnesota.  Features 6 farms, 1 food co-op and plenty of people who care about their food and the people that eat it.

Farming Forward: CSCA screening (low definition version) from Martin Lang on Vimeo.

Synopsis of the Coordinating Meeting 11.18.10

• Timeline of coop was reviewed and updated. Opening date for store was discussed and will continue to be reviewed. Input will be sought out from experienced businesses and with local producers who will be involved with the coop. Other major events can be set up before the store opens such as a producers convention.
• Feasibility study update was given. Committees submitted work plans and will now add dates to tasks.
• The coordination/project management role will be defined. The role will include merging the work plans into a master “taskline” to allow for committees to be aware of tasks that they need to accomplish to allow for another committee to proceed with tasks.
• Volunteers will be attending the NDSU business writing class. Ideas were given for items for students to work on.
• New communication tools for the coop were discussed as google groups is changing.
• Location of the next Coordinating Committee meeting will be St. John’s on December 2 at 6:30pm in the parlor. These meetings are always open to the public, but there will be a special invitation to current volunteers active in the coop to attend and review implementation of improvements from October’s all volunteer meeting.
• A resource log will begin to be formed to track available education to volunteers and those who have completed different education will be able to evaluate them for other volunteers.

Want to know what's happening with the food co-op?

We want you to know what's happening!

If you want to receive periodic updates and a co-op newsletter, send us your contact information and add our email address to your contact list so we don't get filtered into your spam or junk folder.

If you have previously signed up but haven't been receiving emails, please send us your contact information again and check your junk or spam folder for our address. 

We want you to know what's happening in the development of your food co-op! Send an email to ccwfoodcoop@gmail.com.

From Here to Tuscany

The current issue of Organic Gardening has a couple interesting articles.  I recommend starting in America by exploring the food gap a little further and learn what can be done to close this gap.  Then ease the tension a bit by going to Tuscany, surrounding yourself with the beauty of the landscape, the bicentennial farmhouse, and dirt on your hands.  That's right, tourists are engaging themselves in the culture, down to the nitty gritty.

Fresh (the movie) Screening Nov 22nd

Many of you have probably thought, "Yeah, I realize the food industry is broken, but what am I to do about it?"  Every day, you get to vote, 3 times a day!  (With what else can you do that??) And if you have a family, your grocery shopping can be even more impactful.  Change will come if we demand it.  By choosing the food we eat, we can influence the demand.  Be thoughtful about your grocery shopping and inquisitive about your food selection.  Nothing will change if we do nothing.  Simple isn't it?  Simple concept, yes, but easy to change? No.  Start with one food category.  Meat, for example.  Talk to your local meat market and ask questions about processing, from farm to case.  It's your food.  You have a right to know.  When have you bought a computer or a car without asking a single question about it?  And you're not even eating it...at least I hope not! 

Come check out Fresh for more ideas and inspiration on how to restructure the food system.  Hope to see you there and stay for a discussion following!  Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th St S, Moorhead.  Doors open at 6:30.  Movie at 7pm. 

Spread the word!  Email this post using the envelope with arrow below post or share on Facebook!

Wanted: Volunteer Secretary of the Planning Committee

We are looking for you! We are in need of a volunteer secretary.
A volunteer secretary has the following responsibilities.

1. Attends Planning Committee meetings (2nd Thursdays, 6-8 PM)

2. Maintains records of the Planning Committee and ensures effective management of organization's records

3. Takes minutes and ensures minutes are distributed to members within 48 hours after each meeting

4. Prepares the agenda based on input from Planning Committee members.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to make accurate records, timeliness, and good nature. Time commitment is approximately 6 hours per month.

If interested, please email us with "Volunteer Secretary, Planning" in the subject line.

100-Mile Thanksgiving, Concordia College, Nov 9th: Don't Miss!

Might you be willing to help promote environmental sustainability, quality local food production, healthy people and communities? You can do all these things and more by attending the 2nd Annual 100-MILE Thanksgiving Farmers Market on Tuesday, November 9th from 4-7pm in the Knutson Campus Center Atrium of Concordia College.  Campus Map (Farmers Market will be in #12)

Meet the farmers and producers of all the items you will want to serve on Thanksgiving Day. Reserve a free-range turkey to be delivered fresh (never frozen) on the 23rd. Purchase fresh, seasonal and organic vegetables including potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsnips. Pick up some Haralson apples for pies and sauces and sweeten both with locally produced honey.

Also available are the best quality, homemade dips and chips that you will want to serve as appetizers. Remember also to show off the entire feast with locally-made beeswax candles of different shapes & sizes.

Choose to have your Thanksgiving Day celebration in 2010 reflect integrity for people & the environment. 
Concordia College has made it so easy, gathering a variety of trimmings in one place.  What better time of year is there to think about food choices than on November 25th? Because if we keep falling back on an unsustainable industrialized food system, either out of habit or because it's easier, things won't change, and we will continue to compromise our own food security, as well as the health of the planet.

*And please help spread the word by forwarding this message to friends and/or posting this flyer at your work place or in other good locations!

Update: Feasibility Study In Progress

The feasibility study is under way! A contract has been signed with CDS Consultants to complete this by the end of the year. The findings will measure potential viability of a food co-op in our area, guide site selection, and help secure financing (likely a combination of member investments, member loans, and institutional lending). You can look forward to a report of findings in January 2011. This study was made possible through your donations and a grant from the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Committee (APUC).

 

We need your help! Do you have any special talents or skills you'd like to share with us? Are you a great public speaker? Writer? Maybe you are a people person. Or have an eye for detail? Let us know and we'll find the perfect place for you. It takes many types of talents to pull together a project like this. Current needs include:

 

• a volunteer secretary for both the Coordinating Committee and Planning Committee 
• web site design and effective use of social media
• branding development
• people who have actively participated in other coops to help in our development
• identification of grants and other funding sources

 

For more information, please contact us at ccwfoodcoop@gmail.com

 

 

Wanted: Volunteer Secretary of the Coordinating Committee

We are looking for you!  We are in need of a volunteer secretary.
A volunteer secretary has the following responsibilities.

1. Attends Coordinating Committee meetings (1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 PM)

2. Maintains records of the Coordinating Committee and ensures effective management of organization's records

3. Takes minutes and ensures minutes are distributed to members within 48 hours after each meeting

4. Distributes the agenda and supplemental reports the Wednesday prior to CC meetings, upon input from Coordinating Committee members.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to make accurate records, timeliness, and good nature. Time commitment is approximately 10-15 hours per month.

If interested, please email us with "Volunteer Secretary, Coordinating" in the subject line.

Where Does Your Meat Come From?

While it's a long article, keep reading.  This is not one of those reports where you can read the first paragraph and know the whole picture.  There's a lot of information in here, some you may not have realized before.  Or you probably thought it wasn't a pretty picture, but didn't realize how ugly it really was.  If you already buy your meat locally, you'll find yourself giving yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.  If you typically buy "the stuff at the store," you may never really know where your meat is coming from.  Please, share where you get your meat if you buy local.

The Burger that Shattered Her Life

After It's Cooked, It Still Goes to Waste!

You know you've done it.  You've prepared such a delicious meal from your good food.  You congratulate yourself since you've made good use of all that food.  After a couple weeks, you take a look in the fridge and, a few obscenities later, throw it in the trash (or compost heap hopefully).  Food has gone to waste.  Learn ways to reduce food waste, cooked or uncooked.

Fresh (the movie) Screening Oct 26th

FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.

After you've seen it, come back and tell us what you thought!





Click to Play Trailer

Click image to view larger.

For more information, check out freshthemovie.com

A New Look at the Pumpkin

Well, fall is here and as we enjoy the crisp air and the cozy colors, take a moment to capture the beauty this pumpkin has to offer in these MRI images.





Courtesy Inside Insides

11 Year Old Describes the Broken Food System

Speaks for itself.

The Concept of Cass Clay Wholesome Food Co-op

We envision a full-line retail grocery store in the Fargo/Moorhead area. It will be member-owned and democratically governed in accordance with the International Co-operative Alliance principles. It will serve both members and non-members from our local community and the surrounding area. The co-op will be well-managed and financially sound to provide for its longevity and meet its fiduciary obligations. Our operations will support our commitment to the long-term health and well-being of our employees, customers, producers, and the environment. The goods we offer will reflect our dedication to providing natural, sustainable, and preferably local selections as affordably as possible. Through education and outreach, we will strive to empower ourselves and our community with knowledge about the impact of what we consume on health, society, the economy, and the ecosystem. We will treat our employees, member-owners, and customers with respect and care, valuing the people who bring our food from field to table. The co-op facilities will be clean, modern, and accessible. Our actions and our customer service will reflect our values and our commitment to being a center for our community.

July Picnic

Take a second to view the pictures from the community picnic held by the Cass Clay Wholesome Food Co-op.  Big thanks to those who came out and to Lukas Brandon for the entertainment! 

Fargo Moorhead Food Co-op Seeks a Qualified Consultant

This summer, many of you made a financial contribution as match money for a grant to do a feasibility study. We are thankful to have received a $12,500 grant from the Agricultural Products Utilization Commission. This funding, along with your donations, allows us to take this great step forward.

We are now seeking services from a qualified consultant to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed food co-op. This analysis will provide a neutral, third-party assessment of the anticipated total costs/benefits and related variables pointing toward our success. The study will also assist us in seeking future funding for the project. We just released a request for proposals and the submission deadline is September 22, 2010. Questions and applications can be directed to our Finance Committee Chair, Reba Mathern-Jacobson at rebamathernjacobson@gmail.com.

The Countdown Begins!

One more week until the picnic being held by the Cass Clay Wholesome Food Co-op at Goosberry Park in Moorhead!
Picnic is from 5:30 to 8:30, eating at 6:00.  Bring your own dish to share as well as your own drink and reusable picnicwear.  See you there.  Can't wait!

Also, don't forget to complete our survey in the post below.  Even if you completely agree with our concept statement, we want to know that too!

Concept Statement Survey

The Cass-Clay Wholesome Food Cooperative is currently working towards establishing a food cooperative within the metro area. We have recently constructed a preliminary concept statement that defines what it is we are hoping to accomplish with this effort.

At this point in the planning process, we are asking the community to help us arrive at a united vision of the cooperative we are trying to build. We are requesting everyone to read the statement within the survey and answer the 3 questions that follow. This will help us gain input as to whether or not this statement matches with the needs and desires of the community as a whole.

Please take a few minutes to respond. We value everyone’s input and plan to adjust the concept statement to reflect this. This revised concept statement will drive the decision-making for the rest of the planning process so that we may create a food cooperative that will fulfill the needs of our wonderful community.

Survey

Thank you for your participation!

Our Mouths are Watering...

It's an exciting time of year!  Something we look forward to for months and months!  A lot of good food is being produced in gardens in the area.  What recipes are you enjoying?

Maybe you're the type of person that can just throw the pantry into the pan and it tastes great, but I'm guessing there may be someone out there always looking for ideas.  A cookbook created by a CSA in Madison has some great recipes for seasonal cooking.  What are your cookbook faves?

Ready to Eat

Well, gardens are in full swing, often producing more than the grower can handle.  What are you doing with your surplus?

Needing ideas?  Maybe you can post it here and connect with someone.

Or there's always the Hunger Free ND Garden Project, a movement to connect ND producers with food pantries in an effort to supply them with food items that are scarcely found in food shelves, fresh produce.  You can join anytime; even now, midseason. 

Contact Sue Balcom for further information or visit the Hunger Free ND Facebook, ND Department of Agriculture, or Going Local pages.

Is there something similar in Minnesota?

Community Picnic

Enjoy good food with individuals that care about food as much as you! Join us for a Community Picnic at Gooseberry Park, Moorhead, 5:30-8:30, August 10th.  We will eat at 6:00. Please bring food to share and your own reusable picnicware if you have it.

Help get the word out!  We'd like to meet your friends too!  Print this flyer and post in your community and at work or email this post to friends using this icon below the post:

Hope to see you there!

Know Your Farmer

Ever wonder what the US Department of Agriculture is doing to promote small food systems and local farms?

Check them out!

Chickens in the City

Did you know some cities allow chickens in the city, or some just don't have a law against it (NYC, for example)!

If you're in Fargo, fresh eggs could be awaiting you in your backyard.  (ordinances, see article 12-03)  With fair restrictions, they shouldn't be a bother to the neighborhood either.

What cities and towns have you heard of that allow the keeping of chickens?
Do you keep chickens or know anyone who does?  What's your experience with this concept?

Fresh

Come watch "Fresh"! 
Get inspired to help change the food production industry!

FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Each has witnessed the rapid transformation of our agriculture into an industrial model, and confronted the consequences: food contamination, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources, and morbid obesity. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.

Super Salads

Looking for ideas for a salad change-up?  Check here:

Better Nutrition--Super Salads

Xeriscaping

The City of Fargo website has a nice compilation of information about xeriscaping, a method of landscaping that emphasizes water conservation in its use of drought-resistant plants, thereby minimizing watering requirements.  And you can still have a lush garden!  Skeptical?  Check it out!

Have you applied xeriscaping to your landscaping plan?  Any more information you'd like to share?

FDA on Antibiotics

FDA's stance on antibiotic overuse in animals, according to the Huffington Post.

My Garbage Goes Where?!?

Shannon Thompson of Clay County Environmental Programs will share the "dirt" on how our local garbage and recycling is processed at Moorhead Library on Wednesday, July 14 at 2 p.m.
For further information, please contact:

Jenna Kahly, Children's Library Associate
Moorhead Library
118 5th St S
(218) 233-7594
kahlyj@larl.org
http://www.larl.org/

DIY Food Series

The Moorhead Library is holding a do-it-yourself food series this summer. Events are free and open to all.

Make Your Own Sour Cream
Thursday, July 15 at 7 p.m.
Sharon Douglas will demonstrate how to make your own sour cream at home.

Make Your Own Soda Pop
Thursday, August 12 at 7 p.m.
Markus Krueger will teach you how to make Ginger Ale, Cola, Grape and other sodas.

For further information, please contact:

Liz Lynch, Public Services Supervisor
Moorhead Library
118 5th St S
(218) 233-7594
lynchl@larl.org
http://www.larl.org/

Sustainable Food Series

Sustainable Food Series Continues with "Why Eat Organic?" Program July 8, 7pm at Moorhead Library

For further information, please contact:

Liz Lynch, Public Services Supervisor
Moorhead Library
(218) 233-7594
lynchl@larl.org

Update via HPR

http://hpr1.com/cuisine/article/food_co-op_update_a_solid_start/

Minutes Posted This Week

Communications 6/14/10
Membership & Outreach 6/14/10
Finance 6/15/10
Coordinating 6/17/10

While We're All Waiting....

As you can see from the Timeline, the food coop won't be open for a couple years.

What farmer's markets, buying clubs, CSAs or stores (who sell products created from sustainable/fair trade/local/organic practices) do you know of? There's alot of them out there and "word of mouth"....or maybe "dribble from the fingertips" is the best way to pass it on!

Whether you are newly exploring fresher food or been enjoying your food for years, hopefully everyone will be enlightened, or at least raise an eyebrow.

Detailed info is welcomed! (websites, Facebook names, addresses, description, what you love about them)

Minutes Posted this Week

Membership 6/7/10
Finance 6/8/10
Planning 6/10/10

What's your experience with a food coop?

Maybe you've never heard of it till now, maybe you've heard of it but never been to one, perhaps shopped at one, or were a dedicated member at a food coop. Tell us about your impressions of a food coop or your experience with a food coop and whether or not you liked it.

Sustainable Food Series

The Moorhead Library is holding a food series so we can learn how to eat healthfully and locally year-round. All events are free and open to all!


30 Minute Mozzarella
Thursday, June 10 at 7pm
Join Sharon Douglas as she shares her recipe for homemade mozzarella cheese!


Why Eat Organic?
Thursday, July 8 at 7pm
Justine Cadwell will discuss the organic vs conventional foods debate.


Eating Locally Year-Round
Thursday, August 26 at 7pm
Join Green Market Kitchen staff for a discussion on seasonal eating.


Contact the Library with questions:
218-233-7594
mailto:lynchl@larl.org
http://www.larl.org/
118 5th St S, Moorhead

What is a FOOD Coop?

So, now that we know what a coop is, what is a food coop?

A food coop is an actual grocery store (not a buying club or farmer's market) that will abide by the cooperative principles as outlined previously. Since a food coop is guided by these principles, it differs from a traditional grocery store in many ways. This store will be also driven by our mission and vision. Keeping these values in mind will create a store that is more people-centered than capital-centered, will bring people together around common values, and will give member-owners a voice in how the coop is run and what it carries.

The actual products that CCW Food Coop will carry will not be determined until following incorporation, the first membership drive and election of the board of directors; however preliminary discussions have been occurring. These discussions have included organic products, GMO free products, local products, products obtained through fair trade practices; all of which have socially responsible attributes, however also have some 'cons' to be considered as well. These decisions will be impacted by the food coop's member-owners.

A food coop will not be possible without membership. A food coop is created through member-owners combining their economic resources to bring about something greater than any one individual could do. Member-owner investments help provide capital for the food coop to operate, then share in the financial success. Profits belong to the community of member-owners.

As previously mentioned, member-owners will actively participate in decision making. This includes the right to vote. Member-owners will elect a board of directors and vote in an annual membership meeting. Member-owners will also have the opportunity to run for a seat on the board of directors. This is how you have a say it its operation, and this is what makes a co-op different from most businesses.

Fundraising Goal Met!

Thanks to you we've met our goal: $5000 raised by June 1st! We will now be applying for the APUC (Agricultural Products Utilization Commission) grant but we could still use your support. Further donations demonstrate to APUC that this is a worthwhile endeavor; that there are people interested and it will succeed. We will have an answer by August 1st. Thanks for your continued support!

Check out the forum for more:

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/280973/group/homepage/

7th Principle: Concern for the Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

6th Principle: Cooperation among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most efficiently and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

5th Principle: Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public-particularly young people and opinion leaders-about the nature and benefits of cooperation.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreement with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

What is a Cooperative?

The International Cooperative Alliance defines a cooperative as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responosibility, and caring for others.

Cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. These principles have been adopted by Cass Clay Wholesome Food Coop and are as follows:

1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training, and Information
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community

Stay tuned for more info on each of these principles.

Planning a Food Co-op in Fargo-Moorhead!

There is a group of community members working to set up a local food co-op in Fargo-Moorhead!

If you're interested in getting involved, please email us at ccwfoodcoop@gmail.com, visit our Google Groups committee pages, or check out our Facebook group - FM Community Food Co-op!

We'll be at the Green Expo at the Fargo Civic Center May 8-9, and we're holding a Public Meeting at the main branch of the Fargo Public Library May 13 at 7:00pm, so please come visit us at both events!

Temporary name:
Cass-Clay Wholesome Food Co-op

Mission Statement:
Connecting consumers and producers in a nourishing, responsible, community-minded market.

Contact Information:
email: ccwfoodcoop@gmail.com
facebook: FM Community Food Co-op
google groups: FM Food Coop Planning, FM Food Coop Marketing, FM Food Coop Financial, Food Co-op Membership, Food Coop Coordinating Committee
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1591, Fargo, ND 58107-1591

Donation info:We are happy to have a fiscal agent, the FM Area Foundation. You can contribute at http://www.areafoundation.org/page26576.cfm. Choose "Cass clay Wholesome Food Coop" in the drop box. Tax deductible. Donations will match funds for a feasibility study. Our goal is to raise $5000 by June 1. That's 200 people giving $25. Thanks!

Get involved!
We have four main committees working on various aspects of preparation and planning for the food co-op. We would be delighted to have your input and skills help us make this co-op the best it can be! If you see an area of one of these committees that you'd be interested in helping with, please contact the committee via its google group, and we'll let you know meeting times and project opportunities! Or, if you'd like to get involved but are unsure about committees, email us at ccwfoodcoop@gmail.com, let us know a little about yourself and your interest, and we'll put your skills, ideas, and enthusiasm to good use!

Membership/Outreach Committee
Google Group: Food Co-op Membership Committee
Email: food-co-op-membership-committee@googlegroups.com

• Events
• Recruiting
• Education

Planning Committee
Google Group: FM Food Coop Planning
Email: fm-food-coop-planning@googlegroups.com

• Research and Development
• Ethics/Values
• Legal

Communications/Marketing CommitteeGoogle Group: FM Food Coop Communications
Email: fm-food-coop-marketing@googlegroups.com

• IT
• Marketing
• Public Relations

Finance CommitteeGoogle Group: FM Food Coop Financial
Email: fm-food-coop-financial@googlegroups.com

• Administration
• Fundraising
• Accounting

The Coordinating Committee was formed with three representatives from each of the four committees to help with communication and to make decisions and planning that requires input from people in all areas of the process. To see what this group has been talking about and planning, visit their Google Group: food-coop-coordinating-committee@googlegroups.com.

Upcoming Events:
Green Expo - May 8-9 - Fargo Civic Center Come visit our booth!

Public Meeting - May 13 - 7:00pm - Fargo Public Library main branch
We'll have a meet-and-greet with the community, talk about the progress we've made and a timeline for the co-op, have donation information, and let you know how you can get involved! Also, we'd like to have the public help us choose our name, so we'll have ideas and a vote!