Our History

If the Yelm Food Cooperative were a children’s story, it would probably be The Little Engine That Could.  This, after all, is an organization that opened in 2007 – with just $26,000. “That’s a very small amount to start any retail, let alone a grocery store that has a lot of inventory and equipment,” say current General Manager Barnaby Urich Rintz. “Most will start with ten times that amount before they get a brick and mortar location.”

“We were insane,”

Manager Debbie Burgan puts it more bluntly: “We were insane,” she says. “I was sent to three different seminars to find out what you needed to start a co-op. Every single one said you needed a minimum of $1 million.”

It all started in 2005 with Laura Losada, a Yelm resident who had a vision of a local store with organic, natural and local ingredients. Others believed in her vision and soon, according to volunteer Robyn Hawk, “A very small handful of people somehow got another small handful of people to get a fair amount of money so that they could start this co-op.” Everyone involved volunteered hundreds of hours, raising money, learning about the ins and outs of running a co-op and applying for grants. In addition, several members of the leadership team at the Olympia Co-op contributed guidance and expertise for nearly a year.

The store opened its doors in April, 2007 in a small commercial building in Yelm’s Frontier Village, where anyone attempting to navigate an aisle would literally rub elbows with someone coming the opposite direction.  “It was important to open a storefront in order to begin building a history and reputation within this community,” says Rintz.

But in 2012, the store moved to its current – and much larger – location at 308 Yelm Ave., which it shares with local landmark Gordon’s Garden Center. “Moving here was really important,” says Manager Jutta Dewell, who has been with the store since its inception. “This location is much better equipped to handle a higher volume of sales, in terms of space and atmosphere.”

Originally, the co-op was a member-owned corporation. In 2012, the board of directors asked the membership to vote on becoming a non-profit community service organization with a focus on education and food. The idea was a hit; 96% of the members who voted favored the new vision.

As they’ve grown, the co-op staff have surveyed its customers, analyzed buying patterns, and adjusted accordingly. “We offer products that are hard to find in the Yelm area,” says Rintz, “non-GMO, organic, and local items. Our success has proven that the demand from the consumer is large enough to support the store.”

However,  there were still more challenges for the store.  After 4 1/2 years as a non-profit under the Yelm Cooperative umbrella, the IRS made a determination that Yelm Food Co-op was in fact a for-profit company and would have to be separated from Yelm Cooperative\Yelm Farmers’ Market operating as non-profit.  This was an unexpected upset for all.  Yelm Cooperative, the parent company decided to change their name to Bounty For Families and along with the Yelm Farmers’ Market as their subsidiary and go their “non-profit” way.  

On January 1, 2017, Yelm Food Cooperative went back to its original equity based company status.  The original equity members who had paid equity up until 2012, before the company went non-profit, were re-established as equity members and we began accepting equity memberships again.  

We continue to operate as an organic and natural food market offering our customers and members the best quality we can.

Supporting Our Local Producers

Riverdance Soapworks Bath Salts

We are excited to bring in a couple of new Bath Salt scents from our local friends at Riverdance Soapworks. We’re adding Lavender Dreams Soothing Bath Salts and Milk & Honey Whimsical Bath Salts. Pop in and smell them. They’re lovely.

Mulay’s Nana’s Italian Meatballs

We already sell a number of Mulay’s Sausages, so we got pretty excited when we found their Nana’s Italian Meatballs. Pork raised without Antibiotics. Crate Free Raised Humanely on Small Family Farms. If it’s Nana’s recipe it might well have a little spice.

Jenji Boba Tea

Boba Tea is very popular, but our problem has always been finding one with clean ingredients. We think we’ve found a good one for you. If you’re a Boba fan, pop in and give them a try.

Wild Alaskan Smoked Sea Scallops from Gerard & Dominique

We’re always on the lookout for interesting fare from the sea. We found these Wild Alaskan Weathervane Smoked Sea Scallops from Gerard & Dominique created by chefs, for chefs.

Truly Grassfed Natural Aged Cheddar and Natural Sharp Cheddar

It’s been months since we’ve been able to bring in both flavors of Truly Grassfed Cheddars. Their Natural Aged Cheddar and Natural Sharp Cheddar are now in stock.

Death Wish Lattes

Now we really seem to be into all things Death Wish! Newest in the store are their Lattes. Premium Original, Premium Vanilla and Premium Mocha.

Boudin San Francisco Sourdough Organic Crackers

Boudin San Francisco Sourdough Organic Twice Baked Crackers. White Cheddar Sourdough and Sourdough with Sea Salt

Mozzarella’s

It’s that time of year again. Here are our choices of mozzarella cheeses for your summer pleasure. We also have goat mozzarella and will have plant-based mozzarella from Miyoko’s which you will find in our plant-based section.

Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie by Wholly Gluten Free

Well Florence had no idea these Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookies were in the store! Then she saw they were great in an air-fryer so she had to give them a try and boy they are tasty! She shared them with some friends who all loved them. They seem very gooey, but trust...

Organic Jelly Berries and Cotton Candy.

Look at these new grapes. Try Organic Jelly Berries and Cotton Candy.