SALT LAKE CITY — Scattered throughout Salt Lake City neighborhoods, yard signs have popped up, saying, "Salt Lake Needs a Food Co-Op." Despite the relative youth of the signs, the movement behind them has been waging for the better part of the last 20 years.
This organization and operation style is rooted in principles like community, volunteering, open membership, economic participation and cooperation. And unlike other membership stores, like Sam's Club or Costco, nonmembers are able to shop at co-ops. Not only does this mean less transportation and emissions to bring food from the shelves to your home, it also means that more of the money spent at a co-op remains in the community.
While Sugden said membership is a good investment, many are reluctant to join without a physical market. "The campaign's strategy includes major support from co-op member-owners," Pioli, a 13-year member of the co-op, said. "We are also reaching out to local, private foundations, some major businesses and nonprofits that support community development, health and environmental issues as well as economic growth."