What will the store be like?
We are now planning to begin an online ordering and distribution system modelled after the Oklahoma Food Coop http://www.oklahomafood.coop/. This will depend upon SLS receiving the CFP grant that has been applied for.
Down the road, organizers envision a 4-5,000 square foot full service store, but for starters, it will have to be something smaller, more warehouse type. Plans call for stocking dry goods, produce, dairy and meats, as well as organic cleaning supplies, paper goods and gardening supplies in season at some point.The Bitterroot Food Co-op store will be open to everyone; you do not have to be a member in order to shop. Members enjoy reduced prices and specials that are not available to the general public. Shopping at the BFC will be a social and learning experience, an opportunity to meet and mingle with members and producers alike.
Mission: To provide high quality food and goods, promote sustainable living practices and local products, and follow the 7 Co-op principles (see Member Info page).
Is your food better traveled than you are?
Numbers vary, but most economists say that in the United States food travels an average of 1,500 miles and passes through over 30 hands to reach our tables. Some reports indicate that fruits and vegetables in Western industrial countries often travel as many as 4,000 miles.
Your shopping decisions make a difference.
In 1940 it took one calorie of fossil fuel to produce 2.3 calories of food. In 2007, experts indicate it takes 10 calories of fossil fuel energy to produce 1 calorie of food. But only 1/5 of the annual energy used is for actually growing food, the other 4/5 goes to moving, processing, packing, selling and storing food after it leaves the farm.
Choosing to support a local food Co-op is a positive step that you can take to reduce damaging greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.