Becky Montpetit: Why I’m a co-op owner
I’ve signed up for hundreds of things in my life: newsletters, clubs, rewards programs, you name it. Most of these were uneventful occasions. A dusty memory stored in a file cabinet in the back corner of my mind. However, that was not the case when I became an owner of the People’s Food Co-op. I can remember when, and most importantly who I was with.
It was 2014 and I had a brand new baby on my hip. My husband and I had recently had an important discussion about how we wanted to interact and engage as consumers within our community. While we had been casual co-op shoppers for years, it was this crucial conversation and a deep dive into the values of People’s Food Co-op that drove our decision to join. We drove down to the brand new People’s Food Co-op store in Rochester MN and talked to Annie in Aisle 1 and got signed up that day.
Below are the 5 reasons signing up as People’s Food Co-op Owners was important to me and my family.
People’s Food Co-op is a democratic organization controlled by a board of directors comprised of PFC owners. PFC is owned, governed, and acts in the best interest of its ownership. This opportunity to voice concerns, praise, and opinions allows us to be part of the conversation about where and how our food is sourced and sold.
While the People’s Food Co-op does have relationships with national organic food distributors, it’s the focus on Local Producers and agriculture that is truly impactful. People’s Food Co-op forges meaningful partnerships with small-scale farmers and producers to a greater extent than a large supermarket chain can. This is so important for our local economy. Keeping dollars local fuels economic growth and opportunity. Plus, it’s a true honor to know the people that grow your food.
Access to fresh, seasonal produce has been one of the best reasons for shopping at the co-op and becoming an owner. Co-op buyers are able to work with suppliers that can consistently deliver fresh items. Because many co-op shoppers and owners value fresh produce over packaged or frozen varieties, the turnover is greater meaning produce is fresh and crisp.
People’s Food Co-op places a high value on their social responsibility. This can take many forms. For instance, People’s Food Co-op stocks numerous fair trade products, such as coffee and chocolate. To earn a fair trade designation, buyers must pay fair prices to growers and suppliers, often in developing countries. In turn, these producers must adhere to high standards of worker treatment and pay fair wages.
Annie in aisle 1 originally signed us up for our ownership at People’s Food Co-op, and it’s Annie that still greets me by name and asks about my kids when I do my grocery shopping. It’s the sense of community and loyalty at the People’s Food Co-op that makes our family immensely proud to shop there.