how to shop at a co-op

Fresh, local and affordable. When it comes to summer produce and grilling season, it is exactly what we want. Is it possible to find this outside of having to raise and keep up a backyard garden? At Prairie Roots Co-op, the answer is absolutely. Thanks to some exciting changes in the new year, the co-op is ready with the freshest local produce that is also reasonably priced.

Never been to a co-op before?

Besides the Plain Foods Co-op that existed for only a few years, Fargo-Moorhead has not had a co-op in the area since the 1980s. For those new to the co-op experience, it can be a little intimidating at first.

Am I allowed to go in if I’m not an owner?

Is it only for vegans and hippies? KAYE KIRSCH, general manager of the full service grocery store that opened in July of 2017, says, on the contrary, “Everyone is welcome!” So the real question is: How is it different than a typical grocery store and what can you expect when you walk in?

"It’s locally owned — this is our store,” Kirsch explains. The store is owned by the community, who get to choose the board of directors by voting. Any member of the community can become an owner. Owners also get special discounts and benefits. But, as Kirsch assures, "Even if you’re not an owner, you can still shop here. And for every dollar spent in a food co-op, $1.60 is generated in the local economy.”

What kinds of items will I find at the co-op?

“We’re a full service grocery store, so you come with your shopping list and you’ll be able to get everything in the store,” she promises. "We work with lots of local farmers and producers and try to prioritize local products whenever possible."

Will it be too expensive for some of the consumers that live in that area?

The co-op is also been good for the wellbeing of the community. The co-op opened in what was once a food desert. Kirsch says they were well aware of the lower income families that live in the neighborhood while planning. “We are very cognizant of the low income families by us, so we really want to be inclusive and provide for their needs. We’ve reviewed all our pricing and lowered prices on over 600 items in the store this January. We have a new of line of co-op essentials, staple products you need every week, like milk, bread, eggs, that we offer at great values every day. We’ve also partnered with Essentia Health and currently have a Double SNAP program that provides vouchers for free fruit and vegetables for SNAP recipients," she explains.

What should I expect when I walk in the doors?

Prairie Roots Co-op offers a full deli, hot and cold food bar, kombucha on tap (four different varieties, as well as growlers to refill) plus seating outside and inside the store. The store also has family-friendly features including a mother’s room for private nursing or a quiet moment with your kids, free fruit for kids and special kid-size shopping carts that make a trip to Prairie Roots fun. Prairie Roots also offers free coloring books and a kid’s table in our café seating area.

Anything I need to bring when I shop?

"If you want to shop our popular bulk section, you are welcome to bring your own containers to refill,” says Kirsch. The co-op also offers containers that you may use. Bringing your own bags is also encouraged, however, bags are available in the store.

Now that Prairie Roots is open, is it too late to become an owner?

"Never. We always welcome new owners. It’s a way to get some savings on your groceries and to support local food, local farmers and Fargo’s only community-owned grocery store. In fact 80 people just joined the co-op in April and we now have over 2,000 owners,” Kirsch says. You can check out more information on the various ownership options and payment plans on their website, prairieroots.coop , or stop in the store. And Kirsch hopes you will, "I love the local ownership aspect. This is our store, owned by and committed to the people in this community.”