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.