I regularly shopped at the Rainbow Grocery Co-op in San Francisco, and I miss it dearly. It was huge and filled with organic, locally grown produce, bulk and packaged goods. I was disappointed when I couldn't find anything comparable in Chicago. I started digging around for a co-op last month and came across the Dill Pickle co-op in the Logan Square neighborhood near my home. In true smc form, I went to their board meeting and learned all about their mission and years-long efforts to open their store. I was so impressed, I joined the co-op on the spot and am eagerly waiting for them to open in a few days.
But why do you need a co-op when major grocery chains carry organic products?
Grocery stores are a high-value asset to the communities in which they reside. Ownership in a grocery co-op offers the chance for the consumer to have a hand on the plow, so to speak. A lot of communities don't even have fresh produce (think West Oakland, South & West Sides of Chicago, coincidentally, also more impoverished neighborhoods).
The Dill Pickle is Chicago's only cooperatively owned grocery store and will carry high-quality, affordable foods. In addition, being a locally owned and managed store means the co-op will attempt to support other locally owned producers in the Chicago and Midwestern region.
Why should you become a member of your local co-op?
But why do you need a co-op when major grocery chains carry organic products?
Grocery stores are a high-value asset to the communities in which they reside. Ownership in a grocery co-op offers the chance for the consumer to have a hand on the plow, so to speak. A lot of communities don't even have fresh produce (think West Oakland, South & West Sides of Chicago, coincidentally, also more impoverished neighborhoods).
The Dill Pickle is Chicago's only cooperatively owned grocery store and will carry high-quality, affordable foods. In addition, being a locally owned and managed store means the co-op will attempt to support other locally owned producers in the Chicago and Midwestern region.
Why should you become a member of your local co-op?
- As a member, you are actually an owner of the Co-op. You will be taking a direct action to bring local, organic, and natural foods to your community and your family.
- You will also be supporting locally-owned business and creating a better community not only for your neighbors but also for the farmers and producers we support.
- You vote your values with your dollars every day. Ask yourself how important it is to you to have access to sustainable, local, organic foods.
- A Co-op is a great way to meet friends and neighbors and develop a sense of place in your community.
- Lower your ecological footprint! In Illinois, the average food item travels 1500 miles before it even reaches the store
- Healthy, local, organic foods taste better.
- There are sometimes financial benefits for members, including patronage rebates (like REI).