Q.)
I am a member of the Harvest Co-op. Just wondering--
does the Co-op maintain a list of local products? I'm particularly
interested in locally produced soy products for sale in the
Central Square store. Thanks.
A.)
No, we don't have a local list - but that
sound like a good project. We do, however, have some great
local soy products,
including an organic tofu and tempeh made right in Boston not
far from our Jamaica Plain store by 21st Century Foods.
We
have worked with Rudy Canale, the president of 21st Century
Foods, for many years. He even has a very nice wine we carry,
Cantina Bostonia.
We also carry Nasoya, made in Ayer, MA., and
Lightlife of Turners Falls, MA. Not as local is Soyboy of Rochester,
NY.
Other local vendors, (and some of my favorites)
are Real Pickles from Montague, MA., and hummus from both Cedar's
of Ward Hill, MA and Sabra of Norwood.
Q.)
I want my friends to be Harvest members.
I know why I am a member, but what is the best – and
easiest - way to explain membership to them?
A.)
Great question.
You care about the community.
You care about healthy food for you and the planet. You want
to support a locally owned business. Your reasons are the best
ones.
Here’s a membership
blurb. Memorize it – there will be a test. (OK, it will
be pass/fail) “Joining Harvest is easy – It
just takes a $200 refundable investment, (yes, you get it back
when you leave) payable all at once or $25 a year. Besides
being member of a local community organization here to serve
you, you get a 10% discount once a month on Member Appreciation
Day, a patronage rebate based on what the co-op makes and what
you spend, member only specials, coupons, and more”
Besides
memorizing that, you should all carry member brochures around
with you – available at a
Harvest Co-op near you. For the community aspects, you can
read them this month’s lead article for more information.
Thanks! Chris
Q.)
I’m visiting from Kansas, and I love the idea of a co-op.
How do I find out about how to start one at home?
A.)
You have
a few already in Kansas – but I guess you don’t
live near Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina or Topeka. (You can get
all the info on co-op locations at the Coop Directory) Some
good start-up resources are:
http://www.foodcoop500.coop/html/fastTrack.shtm
http://www.cgin.coop/manual/index.html
University of Wisconsin Center for Co-operatives
and the
National Co-operative Business Association
1401 New York
Ave NW,
Suite 1100, Washington DC 200005.
tel: (+1) 202 638
6222
f
ax: (+1) 202 638 1374
email
The
resource you need most is a group of dedicated people willing
to put in some hard work! You might want to start as a buying
club, and then grow from there.
Good luck!
--Chris
Your
suggestion can be a catalyst for action. We keep an active list
of product requests, and review it on a regular basis when considering
new products. When we get multiple requests for a desirable product,
we actively pursue the shelf space for it by rearranging or discontinuing
existing products. When you write us about operational problems,
like out of stocks, or staffing concerns, the Store Manager keeps
a list and brings it up with the appropriate department manager
in their next regularly scheduled meeting. We want you to know we
hear your suggestions, and act on them when action is required.
We appreciate your taking the time to write us, so keep them coming.
It's an easy way for your voice to be heard, and for you to have
input into the activities at your Co-op!
