Being hip & trendy
Abby Harvey - The Daily Iowan
Issue date: 12/21/07 Section: Metro
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Sure, most huge chain grocery stores are known for having all the necessities when it comes to one-stop shopping. But, believe it or not, these food giants still don't have the power to provide for every customer's needs.
This is where cooperative grocery stores, or co-ops, have stepped in.
Under the vaulted metal ceilings of New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville, one can find a cooler of carefully placed produce displays - white parsnips and long, bright orange carrots. A witch's brew of sunchokes, rapini, and fennel are strewn beneath small, chalkboard signs. Nearby, shiny red bell peppers and cucumbers entice hungry passersby, while the overhead fans swirl soothing aromatic oils and fragrances.
Co-ops have become, over the last 30 years, an arguably trendy means of allowing members to demand the freshest foods, to advocate for their health, and to support local growers. Members also have the democratic authority to vote for leadership positions in the co-op, such as the board of directors. In having such a power, the customers are always right, and the customer will always get what they want because their voices matter in making decisions.
"They move the business the direction they want it to go to serve them best," said Theresa Carbrey, the education and membership services coordinator at the Coralville New Pioneer Co-op.
Co-op members are able to get exactly what they want out of their grocery store by using their "food dollar" - a $60 share and a lifetime membership.
"I think that people who shop at co-op grocery stores and take on ownership tend to be more loyal to their stores - in fact I know they're more loyal," said Jerry Fleagle, the president of the Iowa Grocery Association. "It's because people have an understanding; they have money invested in it."
In eastern Iowa alone, the two New Pioneer Co-ops have more than 17,000 members supporting them. Fleagle said the Iowa City and Coralville co-ops are of an odd breed, because most Iowa co-ops result out of necessity. They usually form in small towns when an independent owner retires and is unable to find an individual to buy the store.
This is where cooperative grocery stores, or co-ops, have stepped in.
Under the vaulted metal ceilings of New Pioneer Food Co-op in Coralville, one can find a cooler of carefully placed produce displays - white parsnips and long, bright orange carrots. A witch's brew of sunchokes, rapini, and fennel are strewn beneath small, chalkboard signs. Nearby, shiny red bell peppers and cucumbers entice hungry passersby, while the overhead fans swirl soothing aromatic oils and fragrances.
Co-ops have become, over the last 30 years, an arguably trendy means of allowing members to demand the freshest foods, to advocate for their health, and to support local growers. Members also have the democratic authority to vote for leadership positions in the co-op, such as the board of directors. In having such a power, the customers are always right, and the customer will always get what they want because their voices matter in making decisions.
"They move the business the direction they want it to go to serve them best," said Theresa Carbrey, the education and membership services coordinator at the Coralville New Pioneer Co-op.
Co-op members are able to get exactly what they want out of their grocery store by using their "food dollar" - a $60 share and a lifetime membership.
"I think that people who shop at co-op grocery stores and take on ownership tend to be more loyal to their stores - in fact I know they're more loyal," said Jerry Fleagle, the president of the Iowa Grocery Association. "It's because people have an understanding; they have money invested in it."
In eastern Iowa alone, the two New Pioneer Co-ops have more than 17,000 members supporting them. Fleagle said the Iowa City and Coralville co-ops are of an odd breed, because most Iowa co-ops result out of necessity. They usually form in small towns when an independent owner retires and is unable to find an individual to buy the store.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
sarad
posted 12/21/07 @ 9:15 AM CST
Homegrown organics are available in more than adequate quanities. They just aren't packaged, stickered (you know the ones I mean)bar coded, homogenously sized (because they don't grow that way) and of the everlasting type for mega stores like the "Vee". (Continued…)
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