With a growing awareness as to the benefits of "buying local" and increasing consumer demand for fresher, healthier choices, the West Michigan food scene has seen a tremendous change in the last five years.
One organization that has been at the forefront of this movement is the
West Michigan Co-op, now celebrating its fifth year of operations.
The Co-op, the first west Michigan organization to sell products from area producers year-round and the second in the nation to offer online ordering, has experienced steady growth over the last five years, counting over 500 active members and over 50 producers.
According to Co-op board member Keri Amlotte, the heightened awareness of local food systems has been good for everyone involved. "We are happy to see all the new farmers' markets and stores to open up. It is good for the community. Our niche is still to provide year-round access to products. We are a reliable place to get quality foods in the winter."
Looking to the next five years, Amlotte says the Co-op is focused on initiatives to make their services more accessible. "There is a new website in development which will be more user-friendly, and we are considering adding two shopping cycles [instead of one]."
Amlotte also cites their work towards accepting payment options beyond cash and checks, and an early exploration of moving to a new site for pickup as two other initiatives to make their services easier to access.
The Co-op is governed by an all-volunteer board. Membership for the Co-op is $35/year. To learn more about the benefits of joining, you can visit their website
here.
Source. Keri Amlotte, West Michigan Co-op
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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