Are we seeing the dawn of a downtown food co-op?
A friend and I are in the planning stages of forming a cooperative grocery store downtown. Anyone who is interested, take a look! If you aren’t on facebook, you can email us at hubcitycooperative@yahoo.com to receive more information!
A downtown grocery? A cooperative grocery? Here in Spartanburg, just like I’ve been hoping for? For real?
While still in the very early planning stages, the group’s Facebook page does look promising.
A newly forming Co-operative Grocery store aiming for down town Spartanburg! The focus will be on local produce and goods at an affordable price in a friendly, family atmosphere. Its time for Spartanburg to support its local growers and encourage a greater spirit of community.
We are planning to hold our first official meeting to discuss the first board of Directors Elections, and start the review process for by-laws and articles of Incorporation. The date and time will be announced- if you want to support this idea, please attend!
Obviously, this is an idea that’s just starting to germinate, but I think it’s one well worth putting some effort into. A downtown grocery of any kind would help make the surrounding neighborhoods more vibrant and appealing. A cooperative, at least in theory, would mean that the members who are paying for the goods would be able to influence whats actually available and how much it costs in a direct way, rather than playing the consumer lottery at Ingles or Publix. Even somewhat obscure or niche-market items, like the organic goods at, say, Whole Foods, could become available right downtown.
Sure, co-ops can also be a real hassle if not handled properly. They can become money pits, and it’s not terribly uncommon for them to struggle for their first few years, if not forever. But they can also be wildly successful, serving as both a place to shop as well as a kind of community center. The French Broad Food Coop in Asheville, founded in 1975, is just one nearby example of this.
So, in an effort to get the conversation started, let’s talk about what we’d like to see in a local, downtown food co-op. Brainstorm and such. Also, please join the Facebook group if you’re interested in this idea, and if you’d like to contact the organizers directly, e-mail hubcitycooperative@yahoo.com.
Personally, I’d love to see a concerted effort to get local produce and goods on the shelves. I’d rather see local than organic, actually, although local and organic would be even better. I’d like to see some kind of community space available for groups that currently don’t have access to one. I’d like to see a small cafe inside, but that’s because everything is better for me with coffee. I’d like to see a huge community bulletin board, because there’s not one in Spartanburg at the moment, at least as far as I’m aware.
What about you? What would you like to see at this co-op?
Steve Shanafelt
Steve,
What you are thinking is exactly what we are planning! Supporting local growers and producers (breads, coffee, soaps, etc.). And a cafe is most definitely something that is going to be an integral component because, yes everything is better with coffee! I can tell you this-we have a tentative location, possible investors, tentative by-laws, and an outline or what our vision is. Also, a community garden is also in the plan to be available to co-op members, as well.
Spartanburg is in desperate need of a local grocery, and I believe that we are ready for it.
I’m so glad that you are on board!
Angie Shuman
I’m all over this idea! As soon as you guys set a date for a meeting, I’ll be sure to attend.
Outstanding, Angie! You’re much farther along in the process than I would have guessed.
Is this the kind of thing anyone can walk into and buy stuff or do you have to buy a membership?
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your question regarding the membership. The store will be open to anyone who would like to shop there, a membership is not required, but will offer you incentives if you join. The actual details will be decided in future meetings- but you can be sure that it will be benificial to be a member of the Hub City Co-op. This is a wonderful write up, and please do check in on the facebook site often for current news and updates.
Thanks!
Ashley Campbell
bees curious!
I would love to help in any way possible.
I’ve been a barista for nearly 3 years now and would love to participate in a downtown cafe. Little River Roasting company would be perfect for this.
I can’t wait to see how this goes, keep us updated Steve.
Buy non-perishables in bulk, and divide up the order among those who want them–that’s the beginning of a co-op!
Golden G-Funk, is that you? Will you move back to Sptbg if we open a co-op???
I’d love to have the opportunity to buy in bulk: granola, nuts, etc. I’d like to be able to bring my shampoo bottle down to the Co-op and fill it up.
I’d like to be able to buy local produce year round, not just during the Farmers’ Market season. I’d especially like to be able to buy local meats.
The most exciting thing to me about this endeavor is not the commerce – it is the community-building aspect. The Co-op could become a homegrown (excuse the pun) community meeting place, and provide a much-needed physical community message board. Additionally, it could become Spartanburg’s Green Mascot and a hub for distributing information about sustainability.
Three cheers for the enterprising folks who are spearheading this project. I look forward to finding out more!
Cate,
Those are great ideas-we are so grateful for the response that this project is receiving in such a short period of time. Keep an eye out on Facebook (and I’ll keep the Spark updated as well) for information about when and where our first meeting for potential members will be.
I am so excited that the community is embracing the idea!
Angie Shuman
Salt, sugar, coffee, flour, whiskey and tobacco would be a good foundation for any general store.
Most could be produced locally year round! Salt could be problem though.
Good morning Steve!
Please contact me at your convenience, hubcitycooperative@yahoo.com, as I would like to speak with you regarding this project- some exciting things are happening!
Thanks!
Ashley Campbell
Update: The first meeting has been announced.
“Please mark your calendars, the Hub City Co-op will be having its first meeting at the Spartanburg Library Headquarters on Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 pm in the Barrett Room. Please plan on attending! The agenda will be posted here in the next day or so, but it is mostly an informative and upbeat introduction to what we are planning. It will be nice to see you all!”
Here’s the Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=89567718726
I belonged to a co-op in Pittsburgh for 22 years before I moved to SC. The Semple Street Food Co-op provides quality goods at low prices. I really miss some of the creulty-free organic health and beauty items that were offered. Members got a discount. The discount was bigger if you put in a few volunteer hours. Of all the things that I miss about Pittsburgh, the co-op is certainly one of the things that I miss the most. I’m excited about your project and would like to get involved. There is such a healthy energy surrounding people who cooperate to bring health and choice to a community! When is the next organizational meeting?