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Dear Members,
In my last letter, we talked about the enterprises in Emilia Romagna which prove that cooperatives offer a compelling alternative to conventional business models. Now, we will talk about a recently established cooperative that is working to transform its community.
The Detroit People’s Food Co-Op is a Black-led and community-owned grocery cooperative. The co-op’s purpose is to provide improved access to healthy food and food education to Detroit residents. Meeting the needs of the community is achieved through the democratic control of the co-op by its member/owners.
Lead by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, the co-op is offering a full-line of groceries including natural options, organic options, and clean conventional options. Their mission statement is a lot like ours here at Newark Natural Foods:
“The purpose of the Co-op shall be to serve the citizens of the Detroit community by assuring member access to the goods, services, and facilities of the Co-op, educating the community about nutrition and sustainability, benefiting the community by supporting local businesses, and improving community access to fresh and healthy food.”
DPFC was created to build Black food sovereignty and economic equity for Detroit’s African American community. While DPFC is Black-led, membership is open to all who share the co-op’s values and commitment to Black self-determination, anti-racism, and building a non-extractive economy. White member/owners are encouraged to join DPFC’s Anti-Racist Working Group to learn more about how they unconsciously participate in the system of white supremacy and about how to be better allies in the fight for racial justice and Black self-determination.
DPFC is a fantastic example of how food cooperatives can use the cooperative values of community and equity to extend their influence beyond just food and food access. Cooperatives can play a big part in social change. In my next letter, we’ll talk about ways that Newark Natural Foods can and will connect with our community and welcome all. Stay Tuned!
All the Best,
Catherine Hallman
General Manager
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