Writer: Amanda Peterson | Skyloft Photography
PRAIRIE ROOTS FOOD CO-OP Community Comes Together to Open Local Foods Store
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ood enthusiasts don’t have to look far for natural, local options in our community. From farmer’s markets to Community Supported Agriculture, at least the summer offers plenty of fresh produce, meats, honey and more. But what if these locally-grown foods were available year round and all in one location? And what if the selection was even bigger and better? That’s what a group of Fargo-Moorhead Community members are dreaming of–and putting their money on the table to make it happen. They believe it’s time for a local, natural and organic grocery store in our community. About 150 people turned out for the April 20 membership kick-off for Prairie Roots Food Co-Op. Since then, nearly 70 individuals and families have contributed the $300 membership fee that will help get the project off the ground. Wendy and Christopher Gabriel of Fargo were quick to sign on as founding members. “I believe becoming a member of Prairie Roots is an investment in our community,” Wendy says. “The more whole, organic foods we have available, the healthier our families, community and environment will be.” The new community-owned business plans to open a store next year, reaching out to local producers, consumers, restaurants, schools and anyone else who could benefit from more accessible local food.
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“People are so removed from their food production,” says Prairie Roots volunteer and membership coordinator Sophia Yohannes-Smadi of Fargo. “At a co-op, you often see farmers delivering the food themselves and there are opportunities for co-op members to meet the local farmers and visit their farms. It’s all about connecting people.” First, the co-op must raise the $1.5 million required to lease space, remodel and stock a store. The founding membership drive, which runs through the end of the year, hopes to bring in nearly 700 members and more than $100,000 from the sale of preferred stock – the minimum needed to move forward with the project. When opened, the full-service store will feature as much local food as possible, supplementing with other natural and organic foods when necessary. Board members are seeking a building near the Interstate and bus lines for easy access, with a parking lot large enough to accommodate school busses for tours. The focus of the business will be the consumer, with an effort to keep prices affordable. “I feel strongly that good food is a human right,” says board member and membership committee chair Dr. Gretchen Harvey of Moorhead. “There are studies showing that organic, locally produced food doesn’t have to be more expensive.”
“The more whole, organic foods we have available, the healthier our families, community and environment will be.” 9/20/12 12:53 PM