October is National Co-op Month! It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of a community driven, democratically run business model that has thrived in Minnesota for the past 50 years!
co-op movement
Minnesota has always been a major driver in the co-op movement. The Twin Cities are home to 13 food co-ops in 14 locations which is the highest rate per capita in the US. The first official Co-op Month proclamation was signed by Minnesota Governor Luther Youngdahl in 1948. Now it’s celebrated nationwide after former Minnesota Governor Orville Freeman, then U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, proclaimed a National Co-op Month in 1964.
co-op differentiators
Co-ops deserve a celebration! They’re unique stores that aren’t run by one person or team, they’re owned and shaped by the community that shops at the store. In addition to profits, co-ops focus on making their communities a better place by keeping money, jobs, and profits in the community while promoting local farmers and producers. Owners have voices in what the co-op carries, who is on the board, how it expands, and how we conduct business. One of the most important and unique things about co-ops is the people that work there! Wherever you go, your local co-op will be filled with diverse people that all have a passion for local, organic foods.
largest co-op network in the u.s.
We are so proud to be part of the largest co-op network in the U.S. Coming from our stores’ humble beginnings in the mid-70s by community members joining together to create better access to organic and affordable foods within walking distance of their homes. We now have 20,000 passionate owners, two community-unique stores, and Co-op Partners Warehouse that distributes local, organic food throughout the Midwest.
ways to celebrate co-op month
- Become an Owner! Help shape your co-op and save money while you shop!
- Shop at co-ops! Minnesota has so many great stores to choose from! The money you spend there helps the community it’s in.
- Join other co-ops! There are so many different kind of co-ops, whether it’s a credit union, a health provider, or even a co-op living space. Getting involved can make your community a better place!
- Buy co-op brands! We carry co-operatively owned brands like Organic Valley, Equal Exchange, Frontier, Bob’s Red Mill, and more!