It’s really important to our family to buy the freshest, cleanest, and locally grown products available when shopping for our food. But we were finding that we weren’t really sure “where” our food was coming from and even when it said “organic” on it, many times it was being shipped from out of state (even from out of the country!). It was also important to us that our hard earned dollars were going to the actual people who grew, raised, or caught the item and not some big corporation.
Enter the farming cooperative (co-op). A farming co-op involves a network of farmers and artisans who reap the benefits of doing business as a unit. Co-ops can help farmers market, process, and sell their supplies and services.
Here’s our four reasons why we love shopping at a co-op and how joining one can make you feel better about your purchases.
We’re Supporting Food Producers
Our money is going directly to the producers when we buy food from co-ops. For example, if you’re wondering what buying from a ranching co-op means, your money will go directly to the people who raised and ethically harvested the bison, cow, or chicken you’ll be eating. You’ll be supporting their livelihoods in addition to getting a tasty meal.
Co-Ops Allows Us To Make Responsible Purchases
A co-op has helped us be more environmentally, economically, and socially responsible with our family’s purchases. We have a better selection of humanely produced meat and dairy items shopping at a co-op and access to more fair-trade items, such as coffee and tea. The co-op also helps us support sustainable farming by buying locally grown produce and meats that don’t require as much fuel to transport as other products.
They Give Us Access to Fresher Produce
Fresher produce is another big reason why we explored joining a co-op. Our produce is literally picked the day before it is brought to the store so I’m assured that it’s at it’s peak condition. Same goes for the homemade sourdough bread we buy and the raw milk we stock up on–both are made within a day or two of me picking it up! The food hasn’t had to travel long distances and sit for weeks in storage before reaching the store and bonus, no preservatives!
We Can Get Closer to Our Community
A co-op allows us to get closer to the people in our community by getting to know the people who live and work in it. We have not only met people as we shop, but we plan to take advantage of the co-op’s other offerings, such as classes about food preparation. Our co-op sends out a weekly newsletter full of information, healthy recipes, and tips. I also love that some of the products in the co-op are small business owners–candle makers, bakers, holistic beauty mamas and it makes my day to be able to support their work. Saying “I know her” when talking about a product I love that also makes me FEEL good is a pretty cool feeling.
We absolutely love shopping at our local co-op. It’s made us a little bit more adventurous–trying new foods, juices, or supplements and attempting new recipes each week. We love the health benefits from the food and are really happy with the connections we’ve made to our community.
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