David Lippman, General Manager
It’s important to understand the values of co-ops that preceded us. That’s why we’re investing in this movie. We are a direct offspring of the so-called “old wave” of the 1970s, whose story this movie tells. In our early years, we received tremendous help and support from Associated Cooperatives, who understood that our new, natural foods co-op was a kindred spirit. They supported us, nurtured us, and helped us to succeed. Food For Change honors their legacy and the continuum of cooperative principles which has driven cooperative movements through the last two centuries.
But Food For Change is not just about our past, it’s also about our future and the great things that are going on today, across the country, to create vibrant health-giving economies based on the development of regional food systems. Like many other co-ops, our stores are committed to increasing the options for local, healthy food that demonstrates environmental responsibility and good value to our members.
One powerful idea that Food For Change conveys to the public is that people can be owners of the business they choose to shop at. Our two stores are locally-grown and member-owned with 12,000 members, a high percentage of who believes in the cooperative spirit.
Back in 1973 some of our ideas about food were a bit radical. Today they’re practiced in one way or another by every other “natural” food store. To differentiate ourselves, we need to tell our cooperative approach and continue in our work.
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“Tell me what you eat, I’ll tell you who you are.”
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