Laura Wight, one of the movers and shakers behind the possible new food co-op in Brookings, recently answered some questions for me:
In a nutshell, what is a food co-op? In a nutshell, a food co-op is a cooperatively owned grocery store, predominantly carrying natural foods. A group of people pool their resources to acquire the store they would not have the buying power to acquire otherwise. The co-op then works for the benefit of all its member-owners.
How does a co-op contribute to a more sustainable future? Our food co-op would contribute to a sustainable future by supplying as many products as possible that are locally or regionally produced, thus reducing greenhouse gases and fuel costs. The co-op would also be contributing to sustainability by supporting sustainable farming practices, and keeping profits within the local economy.
