01/24/2007: "Planning For A SJI Natural Grocery Co-Op"

A grassroots movement to create a Cooperative Natural Foods Grocery on San Juan is holding a public meeting on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:30 in the Friday Harbor Grange. The organizers ask all community members who "are looking for a sustainable grocery shopping experience to come and join in an initial planning meeting for an Island Community Co-op", and state that "This is your opportunity to help shape this cooperative"..

According to a press release, "The cooperative would seek to combine the produce from local island farmers with other quality organic produce, and to offer organic sustainable grocery items along with local value-added island goods. The consumer-owned cooperative would be a traditional not- for -profit organization that would put profits back into local community structure. It would be run by a Board of Directors that would base action on the community's needs communicated by its members."

The stated goals of the proposed cooperative is to provide the following:

• Wide variety of quality organic produce
• Support sustainable farming practices
• Local fair trade
• Locally grown produce, meats, and seafood
• Locally produced value-added products
• Not-for-profit structure which, once established,
will put profits back into the "organic" community.
• Low-waste business practices
• Excellent customer service
• Community center and meeting place

It is pointed out that the "cooperative cannot exist without large community support. At this point your input and involvement is needed and appreciated so please come and share your ideas, support, and enthusiasm about starting a cooperative natural grocery on San Juan Island. Don't miss out on this chance to make an individual difference in your community! "

Call Cloud McCauley at 378 0720 or Maureen Marinkovich at 378 4686 for more information.