Mar 14 2012
Arroyo Food Co-op Attempts to Increase Access to Healthy Food
Nationwide, the price of consumer foods has risen by 4.4 percent in the past year, due to a combination of increased regulation, higher production costs, higher gas prices and speculation within global commodity markets. Though California exists as an agricultural oasis, the lack of accessibility to affordable and wholesome food plagues many communities within the state. A recent study by the non-profit group Social Compact, found that nearly 4.4 million Californians live in areas where access to healthy food is limited. The problem was highlighted by First Lady Michelle Obama who visited the Southern California city of Inglewood last month and the site of an abandoned warehouse due to become a new full service grocery store. During her visit the First Lady repeated her goal that “every family in our country should have access to healthy food.” Sharing this sentiment is the group called the Arroyo Food Co-op, whose members want to open a store in or near Altadena, California that would pride itself on maintaining reasonably priced sustainable, seasonal, local and organic products from nearby sources. Food Co-ops are traditionally grocery stores where shoppers have the option to become something of a shareholder through an annual membership fee, receiving perks in exchange. The Arroyo Food co-op has been planning for a store since 2008 and has been raising funds since 2009. Potential members are given two choices when it comes to investing in the Co-op. They can make an initial payment of 300 dollars, or an investment of 30 dollars and then yearly payments of at least 30 dollars until full 300 dollar fee is reached. While co-ops are commonplace in the Bay area, currently, there are only two operating food co-ops in Southern California.
GUEST: Patrick Reagan, president and founder of the Arroyo Food Co-op; Brian Chiu, who is team leader for the labor team; and Mia Dunn, who heads the membership team and is active in various nonprofits in the Pasadena area
Visit www.arroyofoodcoop.com for more information.
Existing Co-ops in Southern and Central California:
Coopertunity, 1525 Broadway (16th & Broadway) in Santa Monica CA; www.coopportunity.com
Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market, 4765 Voltaire Street San Diego, CA 92107; www.obpeoplesfood.coop
Isla Vista Food Co-op in the Santa Barbara area, 6575 Seville Road Isla Vista, CA; www.islavistafoodcoop.blogspot.com
Comments Off on Arroyo Food Co-op Attempts to Increase Access to Healthy Food
