The East End Food Co-op

...Or why you should shop at your local food co-op.

In case you don't know what a co-op is, aside from a magical, wonderful land of rainbows, it is a business organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. The East End Food Co-op is a grocery store in Pittsburgh that sells food, cosmetics, vitamins, toiletries and cleaning supplies that are "natural and organic".Therefore everything in the store has been carefully purchased and thought about. Co-ops are the best place to do all your regular shopping, especially in the winter months when you can't rely on farmer's markets and CSAs.

Local

While buying local is very trendy, this doesn't make it any less important.
By buying food that is produced in your area you are supporting your local economy while cutting down on shipping costs, both monetary and environmental.

Advantages: Freshness. Produce that is produced conventionally has to be picked well before it is ready to be eaten. If the bananas were perfectly ripe when they were harvested, they would be spoiled by the time they reached the shelf. On the other hand, local produce isn't going far, often things can be picked that day or the day before.

Relationship. The co-op is like your local grocery store. When I go in there, I recognize the various workers, and I feel like some of them recognize me. The people are always helpful and ready to suggest how to use this random hippie product you have never heard of. They aren't answering to a larger corporation that has the region or nation to look at, they are answering to me, a member of their local customer base. It feels like my grocery store.

Bulk

Like most co-ops, EEFC has a bulk foods section. Their bulk foods range from oats and pasta to cookies to herbs and spices. Bulk foods are stored in large containers and priced by the pound.

Advantages: Less packaging. You are able to bring your own reusable containers and fill them. (note: they do also have bags and containers for you to use if you don't have any)

Quantity Control. You are able to buy as little or as much as you need. Not sure if you are going to like the Hemp Plus Granola, only get a little bit. Or better yet ask one of the friendly Co-op employees and you can test it out.

Price. The prices are usually significantly discounted. We buy our maple syrup in bulk because it is literally almost half the price of the bottles on the shelf.

Membership

This should actually be called Ownership. Co-ops are also businesses owned and controlled equally by the people who use its services and by the people who work there. It currently cost $100 to become a member at the East End Food Co-op, because that is the current cost of a share. By purchasing a share, you are becoming part owner of the co-op. It is a one time cost, like any other share purchase in a company. You can also sell it back at any time, for instance if you are moving away.

Advantages: Discounts. 2% on daily purchases, 20% on uncut case purchases. Also, once a month they have Member Extra Discount Days (MEDD) where members receive 10% off.

Board of Directors. Members are able to vote and run for elected positions. This gives a member even more power in what is going on with the co-op.




The East End Food Co-op is located in Point Breeze at 7516 Meade Street, 15208. If you don't live in Pittsburgh, the National Cooperative Grocers Association has an interactive map to find a co-op near you.