Across the State Cooperatives in Nebraska Connect Consumers & Local Foods

Natural Food Co-op, Chadron, NE

"WhenIfirstcametothearea,Iwasenthralledwiththe waythestorewasoperated.Ibecameamember,then avolunteer.Nowtheycan’tgetridofme.(Laughing). OurCo-Opisabeautifulplace—it'snotflashyorshiny. Butithasheart.Inmanyways,Co-Opsarethelife bloodofacommunity."

Roxie Graham-Marski, Board President

2 4 3

"WewerethrilledtofindtheNEFoodCoopwhenwe startedourfamily’sjourneytobetterhealththrough localfoods.Theabilitytoshopdifferentitemsfrom multipleproducersmakesbuyingdirectlyfrom farmerseasyandconvenient."

—Doug Garrison, Member-Owner

Open Harvest Co-op Grocery, Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Food Cooperative (NFC), Statewide Salt Slope Co-op, Roca, NE

"Wearrivedatthecooperativemodel organicallybyplacingtheneedsof our farmers first and foremost."

—Nash Leef, Worker & Cooperative Member-Owner

1

1 5

Omaha Sunflower Co-op, Omaha, NE "I wanted to see more leadershippositions providedandspacefor BIPOCpeoplewithinthe Omahaagriculturaland localfoodcommunity."

Stephanie Finklea, Founding Member

OPEN HARVEST CO-OP GROCERY located in Lincoln, Nebraska, opened in 1975 to provide access to healthy food. About 27% of the stores sales are from local products—that’s approximately $1,000,000 in sales. By partnering with local farms and food businesses, Open Harvest is a reliable source of local food.

Chadron, Nebraska, is home to the NATURAL FOOD CO-OP that has operated since 1976 with a mission of healthy food, community service, and a place to share ideas. This volunteer-run co-op stocks locally produced eggs, honey, meats, seasonal produce, and activated charcoal in addition to other healthy food options.

The NEBRASKA FOOD COOPERATIVE (NFC) was started in 2005 and functions as an online farmers' market. During order cycles, members shop online and add items to a shopping basket. At the end of an order cycle, products are collected and delivered to designated pickup sites across Nebraska.

The OMAHA SUNFLOWER CO-OP focuses on replenishing, strengthening, and elevating the BIPOC community in Omaha. In 2022, Food Day identified the co-op as the producer of the year. New in 2023, the co-op is offering seedlings wholesale to plant nurseries and businesses around town.

? 2 4 3 5

SALT SLOPE CO-OP Founded in 2022, Salt Slope is Nebraska’s only worker owned cooperative farm. Salt Slope’s primary purpose is to increase Lincoln’s food sovereignty by sharing with others the joy of local, sustainably farmed flowers, herbs, and veggies. Salt Slope is currently working directly with Lincoln and Omaha's sustainably minded chefs.