Tri-Cities Food Co-Op

A: There are many definitions, but part of the purpose of the co-op is to serve eastern WA and OR growers, who are currently shipping their products to the west side of their states, to have a local outlet.

A: The location for the food co-op is 1420 Jadwin in Richland, and is one block north of the Uptown Plaza. We are currently refurbishing the interior. It was originally a grocery store and has the framework to meet our needs.

A: The timeline is dependent upon permitting, financing, equipment, staffing, etc. We are hoping to open in August 2023, if all goes well.

A: We consider senior as anyone over 65 years old.

A: Your food co-op just became incorporated as a Washington state nonprofit under Revised Code of Washington 24.06 Non Profit and Miscellaneous Corporation. Under federal codes your co-op will be organized at a 501(c)(6), which are typically used by Chambers of Commerce. A link to definitions is provided:

https://www.foundationlist.org/news/what-is-a-nonprofit-the-types-of-nonprofits-definitions/

A: Members of the food co-op value sourcing local produce and supporting local farmers, appreciate organic and healthy food choices, and supporting sustainable practices.

A: You do not need to be a member to shop at the Co-op, but being a member gives you certain perks. Your membership entitles you to discounts on select purchases, Co-op classes, celebrations, tastings, and events as well as promotions sponsored by your co-op. Members have voting rights for electing board members which means you have a say in the food you eat, and how the store, its vendors and employees work together.

A: Alan Schreiber is the driving force behind getting a food co-op started in the Tri-Cities, and is currently the Chair of the Steering Committee. Prior to launching the food co-op, a governance board will be elected by the membership. A typical process is for an elected board to then elect officers. From this action decisions are made. Depending on who is elected to the board or as an officer, Schreiber Farms may or may not be involved in the governance of your co-op. Because Schreiber Farms is local and organic, we know members would expect him to sell to the co-op. Those agreements will be made by the co-op’s general manager, not by the governance board.

A: One of the first actions of the board will be to approve governance policies and procedures.

A: Board members will not select vendors, growers, providers, and other suppliers for your food co-op. Currently, there are no agreements or commitments with any individual or organization to sell to the co-op. If someone is local that can offer the following:

• organic products
• have products the members want
• can meet food safety standards
• is priced for the co-op
• has the necessary volume

…then the co-op will want to buy from them.

A: The steering committee is focused on identifying financial lenders, memberships, and community contributions in the range of $600,000 within the next few months. Securing loans, grants and building a membership base of over 1,000, are some of our goals. Community support is essential for a successful food co-op. Membership translates into an endorsement and serves to let lenders know that the community solidly backing this commitment.

A: Please contact us through the contact form on this page and we’ll be in touch!