PRAIRIE ROOTS FOOD CO-OP

Community Comes Together to Open Local Foods Store

Food enthusiasts don’t have to look far for natural, local options in our community. From farmer’s markets to Community Supported Agriculture, at least the summer offers plenty of fresh produce, meats, honey and more. But what if these locally-grown foods were available year round and all in one location? And what if the selection was even bigger and better?

That’s what a group of Fargo-Moorhead Community members are dreaming of–and putting their money on the table to make it happen.

They believe it’s time for a local, natural and organic grocery store in our community.

About 150 people turned out for the April 20 membership kick-off for Prairie Roots Food Co-Op. Since then, nearly 70 individuals and families have contributed the $300 membership fee that will help get the project off the ground.

Wendy and Christopher Gabriel of Fargo were quick to sign on as founding members.

“I believe becoming a member of Prairie Roots is an investment in our community,” Wendy says. “The more whole, organic foods we have available, the healthier our families, community and environment will be.”

The new community-owned business plans to open a store next year, reaching out to local producers, consumers, restaurants, schools and anyone else who could benefit from more accessible local food.

“People are so removed from their food production,” says Prairie Roots volunteer and membership coordinator Sophia Yohannes-Smadi of Fargo. “At a co-op, you often see farmers delivering the food themselves and there are opportunities for co-op members to meet the local farmers and visit their farms. It’s all about connecting people.”

First, the co-op must raise the $1.5 million required to lease space, remodel and stock a store. The founding membership drive, which runs through the end of the year, hopes to bring in nearly 700 members and more than $100,000 from the sale of preferred stock – the minimum needed to move forward with the project.

When opened, the full-service store will feature as much local food as possible, supplementing with other natural and organic foods when necessary. Board members are seeking a building near the Interstate and bus lines for easy access, with a parking lot large enough to accommodate school busses for tours.

The focus of the business will be the consumer, with an effort to keep prices affordable.

“I feel strongly that good food is a human right,” says board member and membership committee chair Dr. Gretchen Harvey of Moorhead. “There are studies showing that organic, locally produced food doesn’t have to be more expensive.”

All community members will be welcome to shop at the store, but coop members will receive additional benefits. They will have a voice in product selection and enjoy special discounts, potential patronage refunds and what board members describe as the satisfaction of helping a community.

“When visitors come to the store years from now and rave about it, you can say that you helped make that happen,” Harvey says.

A co-op is a natural fit for a local foods store, Harvey adds. The business model brings a community together in ownership with democratic governance. It’s also founded on values of community concern, cooperation, education and independence.

A co-op also provides an excellent work environment, says YohannesSmadi. She is still a member of Mississippi Market Food Cooperative in St. Paul, Minn., where she also worked for many years.

“As a worker, I felt valued, made a livable wage, knew I was doing something very important for my community and built a connection with my employer,” she says.

Minnesota is already home to many co-ops, including 12 in the Twin Cities. Other co-ops include Harmony Foods in Bemidji, Whole Foods in Duluth, Kandi Cupboard Food in Wilmar and Good Earth Food in St. Cloud. Prairie Roots Foods became the second coop in North Dakota when it was incorporated in November.

“When we look at other cooperatives and the growth they’ve seen, I’m optimistic about ours,” Yohannes-Smadi says.

Founding members Greg and Lisa Cook of Fargo are excited about the future too.

“As a family who believes in eating as locally as possible, the prospect of having a place in town where we could purchase local food, as well as good quality bulk food like grains and other staples is very exciting,” Lisa says. “In the end, the one-time cost of $300 with no ongoing monthly or yearly fees seemed like a reasonable investment in our community. We were glad we were able to do it.” [AWM]

For more information about Prairie Roots Food Cooperative or to become a member, visit www.prairie-roots.coop or www.facebook.com/prairieroots.