This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2008, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If you eat, you qualify. That's the message of The Community Food Co-op of Utah.
The co-op is a volunteer-powered, nonprofit buying network that offers up to 50 percent discounts on high quality, fresh foods, said George Neckel, project coordinator.
The savings are possible due to large quantity purchasing coupled with no costs to stock shelves or store food because it is ordered monthly in exact amounts.
Now in its third year, Neckel reports the co-op's membership has topped 5,000.
A vital part of its mission is to help those struggling to meet basic food needs and relieve stress on emergency food pantries. Membership is also open to those looking for a way to share in community.
Each member is encouraged to volunteer at the co-op at least once a year and in the community at least two hours per month. Volunteer requirements are flexible and can be anything done for someone outside of family for free. Member logs show help in hundreds of ways to schools, social service agencies and more.
Another goal of the co-op is to work directly with local Utah farmers and producers - places like Colosimo's, Mountainview Mushrooms and Stone Ground Bakery.
They go organic whenever possible and purchase fair-trade items to support small-scale farmers and the environment.
"And the food will never be donated, outdated or damaged," Neckel said.
For his part, Vern Rosenstiel of Draper calls the co-op a "wonderful program." When he joined the co-op two years ago, he filled seven orders at the Hilltop United Methodist Church. His team now serves 95 families at that same distribution site. Rosenstiel's monthly team order fills an 8- by 12-foot trailer three levels high.
"We've had to refine our distribution process," he laughs.
Rosenstiel knows a lot of people who earn low wages and are struggling. He believes that by helping his fellow human beings, he is serving his God.
The co-op currently has one team site in the South Valley, at Hilltop Methodist Church, 985 E. 10600 South in Sandy. If residents want a site closer to home, the co-op is continually expanding and individuals are encouraged to start new sites in their neighborhoods.
Bill Germundson, outreach coordinator, said when people see the co-op at work in the community, they realize it is about more than just good food at good prices. It's about people sharing a part of themselves.
Food Co-op
The Community Food Co-op of Utah is located at 1469 S. 700 West, Salt Lake City. For more information or to find a site in your area, call 801-746-7878 visit http://www.foodco-op.org.
How it works:
* Become a member for as little as $5 (one-time contribution).
* Pre-order and pay for your shares during the months you wish to participate. The co-op is proud to accept food stamps.
* Pick up your groceries on distribution Saturday at a team site in your community.
What you get
Sample standard share ($32-$42 retail value) for $21:
* 2 lbs. chicken thighs
* 2 6-oz. top sirloin steaks
* 2 lbs. bone-in pork spare ribs
* 1 lb. 85 percent lean-ground beef
* Fresh fruits (3 varieties)
* Fresh vegetables (5 varieties)
* Stone Ground's whole wheat bread
* 16 oz. rice
* Half shares, harvest shares (no meats) and add-on items also available.