For the People By the People
A food cooperative or food co-op is a business model that is owned and operated by the people who use its products and services. Such an organization can meet specific needs and objectives of its members and can adapt to member’s changing needs. Thus making food co-op very versatile and can offer most any product or service to it’s diverse members.
Why Co-Op
Cooperatives come in many shapes, sizes, locations, and in every way are flexible. The roots of such an organization come from the Industrial Revolution, where was born a need for collective cooperation for the wellbeing of all. And in 1995 in accordance with the International Co-operative Alliance adopted a 7 principle code to reflect core principles and values.
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for Community
When you become a member of your local food co-op, you become part of a large diverse community. Whose principles and values of how our food should be produced and distributed have a large impact on you, your family, and your community. But it does not just stop there as are hundreds of Food Co-ops in the USA and much more worldwide.
As a member, you will begin to notice these words-
Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Humanely Treated, Chemical Free, Locally Grown.
And at the Yelm Food Co-op, we pride ourselves on vetting products for you that meet the highest standards of the Organic Industry. We want the best for our local community and our neighbors. Please feel welcome to join our unique nation!
