Valerie Setzer has united with like-minded residents to form the Fredericksburg Food Cooperative.
“When I moved to the area in 2007, I couldn’t find a health food store with vegetarian food,” Setzer said. “After living in many other states that had food co-ops, I thought Fredericksburg needed one.”
Fredericksburg Food Cooperative aims to provide viable options when it comes to eating healthy, offering a selection of local, organic, natural and vegetarian foods while promoting sustainable practices. As a community-based organization that is member or worker owned, the Fredericksburg Food Cooperative is seeking members.
A lifetime membership per household costs a one-time fee of $200, which covers capital expenses and start-up costs. While anyone can shop at a co-op, members have a say in what is sold, are able to participate in discount days, and earn equity in the business once it begins to make a profit.
The standard number of members needed to open is 1,000. If the co-op is unable to open, funds will be returned to invested members, minus any start up costs, Setzer said.
Friendly City Food Co-Op in Harrisonburg, Va., is a model for what the group hopes to accomplish, Setzer said. Cooperatives take time to get off the ground, and the group’s goal is to have the Fredericksburg Food Cooperative up and running within five years.
Long-term plans include a storefront with an attached café where members and customers may shop, collaborate, participate in cooking classes and learn to eat healthy on a budget. “Many times people don’t eat healthy because they don’t think they can afford it,” said Setzer. “We would like to change that and show them what their options are.”
Along with sourcing food from local farms whenever possible, the group aims to offer prepared food options and local products, such as honey, coffee, soups and baked goods. They also hope to collaborate with community based organizations including food banks and pantries in the area.
“We want it to be a community gathering place for people and ideas,” said Setzer. “It will be a place where we can all join together to improve access to healthy foods.”
For more information, email [email protected] or find them on Facebook. They will also be at Art First, 824 Caroline St., from 6 to 9 p.m. November 6 for First Friday, to share information about their venture.
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