Food Co-op Plans for Southeast Indianapolis

By: Angie Calvert

In December 2008, several residents of Southeast Indianapolis formed a steering committee to plan the creation of Pleasant Run Grocery: a community owned grocery store, a future food cooperative in the area. The idea of the food co-op was established through a southeast faith-based study circle hosted by Nancy Buffanbarger. The study circle, attended by local pastors, a representative from a large suburban church and Mark Stewart, President of Southeast Neighborhood Development, discussed the needs of the southeast community. They decided a food co-op was a great way togenerate money that stays in the community and provide local jobs.

Throughout the many months of planning, the food co-op committee members have made some important decisions. The three main themes of Pleasant Run Grocery were determined to be local, healthy and economical foods. The working mission statement for the food co-op reads “Pleasant Run Grocery is a member owned community-based grocery store dedicated to serving the needs of local producers and consumers by providing goods and services, education and reasonably priced healthy foods.” Though the location for the co-op has not been established, the building will be handicap accessible and food stamps will be accepted. The committee members have also addressed many questions and concerns about the future grocery store. Some challenges the committee faces are informing residents of the community about what a food co-op is, the idea of bulk foods, and the importance of purchasing locally grown food.

A food co-op is a grocery store that is collectively owned by residents of a community. Though there are numerous styles of food co-ops, they all share common values of group management and decision making, social responsibility and equality. There is usually an initial member fee and some members choose to invest additional funds into the co-op. The lifetime member fee for Pleasant Run Grocery will be $75. The student and senior citizen member fee will be $60. Members of the co-op are able to vote on issues related to the establishment. Pleasant Run Grocery will be an open food coop. This means anyone can be a member, but one does not have to be a member to shop at the store. Members will receive benefits, such as discounts, coupons or cooking classes. The exact benefits of being a member of Pleasant Run Grocery have yet to be decided.

A food co-op will often have bulk food items. This term is not to be confused with buying large amounts of one item at a time. Bulk foods that will be available at Pleasant Run Grocery are foods like beans and rice that can be found in bins. The customer will be able to bring his or her own container or purchase one at the grocery and fill it with the exact amount of the item he or she wants. This method of shopping allows the customer to buy only what is needed and cuts down on packaging. Less packaging means less cost related to the item.

Pleasant Run Grocery will be dedicated to purchasing as much local and organic food as possible. Supporting our local farmers enhances the sense of community that is essential to a food co-op. Buying local organic food eliminates many of the concerns associated with food that has to travel many miles to reach its consumer. There are fewer health-related risks and more environmental benefits to eating local organic food.

As they are decided, members of the co-op steering committee will be presenting details related to Pleasant Run Grocery to local neighborhood associations and organizations. To learn more about Pleasant Run Grocery: a community owned grocery store, check out http://southeastworks.ning.com for notes from the steering committee meetings. You can also contact Jerry Keys at southeastorganizer@gmail.com for more information.