by Diana Grunow, Community Engagement Committee

You are sitting at home on a cold and rainy night surfing our wonderful website. And as you do, you come across this wonderful invitation offering a night of community interaction that is all about the best Co-op in Washington State and the entry is free. Even better, the presentations are being held in two of the finest venues in Jefferson County, with the sweetener being snacks and drinks. Hmmm, let me think… a great venue, free food, and conversations about local food. I’m in!

The Co-op Community Engagement Committee, along with the Co-op Board, is proud to present two evenings with dialogue practitioner Jon Steinman. Mr. Steinman is the author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants. This book makes a compelling argument for the community-owned grocery store versus the corporate. It’s about going down the aisles and seeing products made locally that feed the local economy and spur new producers and growers. It’s about having those profits go back to the community versus a corporation that is miles away and lacks a stake in the community it services.
More information can be found at https://grocerystory.coop.

During his presentation and discussion, Mr. Steinman will talk about how food co-ops have played a role in the evolution of our food delivery system and the challenges that lie ahead. He will offer a perspective on how food co-ops can continue to be community partners and change-makers with consumers and food producers alike.

COVID was especially challenging for organizations accustomed to a more hands-on people approach versus the internet. That was very true for our local co--op, which relies in part on face-to-face connections with the growers, producers, and the community. These sessions are the Coop's way of reconnecting and soliciting input from our community, and they will give us the tools to keep communication open if it happens again. Offering this presentation is also in line with the cooperative’s strategic plan, ensuring that our community is informed, engaged, and empowered to join us in making a difference.

These events are free to attend and will be held on January 23, 2024, at 4:30pm at the Northwest Maritime Center and on January 24, 2024, at 4:00pm at Finnriver Farm and Cidery.

We are asking anyone interested in attending to please register for the event of your choosing. Both sessions will be the same content so pick the date that works best for you. Also note that registration will close one week before each session so don’t wait to the last minute.

You can register here:

• Jan 23: https://www.foodcoop.coop/calendar/2024/1/23/special-evening-with-jon-steinman23

• Jan 24: https://www.foodcoop.coop/calendar/2024/1/24/special-event-with-jon-steinman24

Hope to see you there!