DOWNTOWN
words by SIRI FREEH photography by DAN FRANCIS
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resh, local and affordable. When it comes to summer produce and grilling season, it is exactly what we want. Is it possible to find this outside of having to raise and keep up a backyard garden? At Prairie Roots Co-op, the answer is absolutely. Thanks to some exciting changes in the new year, the co-op is ready with the freshest local produce that is also reasonably priced.
Never been to a co-op before? Besides the Plain Foods Co-op that existed for only a few years, Fargo-Moorhead has not had a co-op in the area since the 1980s. For those new to the co-op experience, it can be a little intimidating at first. Am I allowed to go in if I’m not an owner? Is it only for vegans and hippies? KAYE KIRSCH, general manager of the full service grocery store that opened in July of 2017, says, on the contrary, “Everyone is welcome!” So the real question is: How is it different than a typical grocery store and what can you expect when you walk in? 60
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"It’s locally owned — this is our store,” Kirsch explains. The store is owned by the community, who get to choose the board of directors by voting. Any member of the community can become an owner. Owners also get special discounts and benefits. But, as Kirsch assures, "Even if you’re not an owner, you can still shop here. And for every dollar spent in a food co-op, $1.60 is generated in the local economy.” What kinds of items will I find at the co-op? “We’re a full service grocery store, so you come with your shopping list and you’ll be able to get everything in the store,” she promises. "We work with lots of local farmers and producers and try to prioritize local products whenever possible."