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Grow Your Own Food Co-op Workshop Series
Our 2006 Grow Your Own Food Co-op brought together co-op planning groups from eight communities in four states. Of the groups that participated, two have already opened a store and three are making steady progress. Not only did participants learn directly from established co-ops, they connected with other groups for ongoing mutual support. We are hosting more of these workshops in 2008. The Center will be offering two workshop series to groups interested in creating a food co-op in their communities, on whichever side of the Cascades. The host cooperatives are natural food stores, but the co-op model can be applied to anything from corner stores to supermarkets. Those interested in starting consumer-owned stores of any size and flavor are also encouraged to attend. While we have a convenient geographic focus for each program, we do not wish to discourage attendees from afar. If you want to travel, we’ll be delighted to have you. Registration fees for each weekend will be only $50 including materials. For more information, please contact Andrew McLeod at 360-943-4241 or andrew@nwcdc.coop Puget Sound Intensive The Puget Sound region has recently seen new food co-ops in Eatonville and Yelm; Tacoma also has a project underway. The interest is spreading. This event is an opportunity for these groups to come together, meet each other, and build connections that will help build future success. April 19 – 20, the Food Co-op in Port Townsend will host a weekend of workshops on how to start a new food co-op. This is a distilled event that will cover the core of the materials version of the Center's 2006 series "Grow Your Own Food Co-op" and will cover both organizational and leadership needs, as well as the financial aspects of starting a new cooperative. This event will run from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. The tentative schedule is now available. Inland and In-depth A new food co-op has opened in Pocatello, planning groups are hard at work in Walla Walla and Pocatello, and the decades-old Greater Baker Food Co-op has begun the expansion process. Yet there are still large swathes of the region without a food co-op, and many people drive great distances to stock up on natural foods. This two-part series will be hosted by the established Idaho food co-ops, as an effort to bring cooperative resources to the inland part of our region. Part one will take place in at the Moscow Food Co-op May 30 – June 1, and will focus on building a strong organization and leadership. Part two will be held at the Boise Co-op August 15 – 17, and will focus on feasibility and financing. Each gathering will run from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. For further information, please contact Andrew at 360.943.4241 The Center appreciates the support of the all the supporting food co-ops! Additional funding was provided by:
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