Co+op Trade
cooperatively owned
At the VFC, we know that when we prioritize other cooperatives, we all do better. Together, we strengthen a local, national and international movement that has the power to transform communities, trade, and the world.
October is a National Co-op Month! What better way to celebrate, than to participate in your local food cooperative. This month, VFC owners can participate by voting in our Annual Election (before October 5th at 7pm), attending our Annual Owners Meeting, nominating their favorite non-profits for Give Where You Live, and by shopping the store. Owner participation is the key to cooperation and is one of the powerful ways that co-ops are different than other, more conventional business structures. But what is a co-op?
By definition, a cooperative or co-op is an independent group of people who choose to cooperate for mutual social, economic, and cultural benefit. All co-ops are run by and for their owners to fulfill a common goal. For example, the mission of the Viroqua Food Co+op (VFC) combines a commitment to natural foods, superior customer service, and the building of a cooperative business. We emphasize organic and local foods and products to promote the long-term health of individuals and the environment. As member-owners and a center for the community, we offer the opportunity to create together a work of enduring value. This mission shapes the work at the VFC every day and helps fulfill our goals as a cooperative.
There are many types of co-ops. The VFC is a consumer-owned co-op. Meaning we are owned by the people who shop in our store. Credit Unions are also co-ops owned by those who use their banking services. There are producer co-ops, like Westby Co-op Creamery, Organic Valley, and Maple Valley Cooperative, and electric and communications co-ops, like Vernon Electric Cooperative and Vernon Communications Co-op. Did you notice that all of these examples are right here in Vernon County? With approximately 20 cooperatively owned businesses offering various products and services the cooperative economy here is strong.
Cooperatively run businesses are driven by values and guided by the Seven (+1) International Cooperative Principles. These principles help co-ops organize in a way that maintains the spirit of cooperation and democratic member control. By following the Cooperative Principles co-ops not only help themselves, they have a positive impact on their communities while growing the cooperative movement.
This month, we will focus not only on our Co-op but on the producer co-ops that have products on our shelves. Look for the blue and green Co+op Trade signs around the store to identify products from producer co-ops.
At the VFC, we know that when we prioritize other cooperatives, we all do better. Together, we strengthen a local, national, and international movement that has the power to transform communities, trade, and the world.
