Local Food: The Economic Benefits

Although everyone can agree that local food tastes better and is healthier than food shipped across the nation, are there actual economic benefits to eating local food? The answer is yes, as Sustainable Table explains.

In this excellent article, Sustainable Table points out that despite huge increases in productivity and the urban legend that farmers make a fortune on subsidies, it turns out that farmers actually make less now than they did in 1969. Many farmers end up working a second job to make ends meet, but buying local food goes a long way towards remedying the situation.

Moving 1% of your spending money from Wal-Mart or Cub to a local farmer gives them 5% more income than they otherwise would. Let that sink in: your 1%, increases their income 5%. That's five times the impact!

Only 7% of the average food dollar stays within the local economy - the rest goes to multinational corporations. With a shift towards local foods, however, we can bring this percentage back up (it was 40% in 1910).

And that is exactly COG's primary mission: buy local, support farmers, support the local economy. By supporting COG, you are supporting a local co-operative that will keep much more than 7% of your dollar within the Willmar area.

What Does It Mean to be a Member-Owner of COG?

In my discussions with Willmar residents and supporters of fresh, local food, I’ve noticed many have serious misconceptions about what being a co-op member actually means. Part of this stems from the fact that co-op is a very broad term, and every co-op has its own specific application of the term “member.” So, to clear up any confusion, here is a simple rundown of what being a member means (and why you should become one!):

1. Being a member is not the same as being a volunteer. Many people ask how many hours they have to volunteer to be a member. Though some co-ops do implement this business model, as a full-service grocery, COG will have 15 to 20 full- and part-time employees to run the store. Of course, if you would like to volunteer, we won’t turn you down (especially during the planning phases).
   
   
2. Being a member is not necessary to shop at COG. The Willmar Community-Owned Grocery is not a discount club like Costco or Sam’s Club, where you need a membership card to shop. Members are investors in the business who receive additional discounts and benefits as a thank-you, but anyone can shop at COG.
   
   
3. Being a member is an investment in not only COG, but the entire Willmar community. A local store like COG keeps a much larger proportion of profits within the Willmar area, contributing to the area tax base and supporting the community as a whole. Additionally, the creation of 15+ jobs pumps even more money into the local economy. A membership is an investment in a higher quality of life for the next generation.
   
   
4. Becoming a member will get COG off the ground! As a community-based project, COG requires significant community capital to open on time. Our funding comes from a variety of sources, including grants and contributions, but also through memberships sold prior to COG’s official opening. All the fine print can be found at the COG website, but a membership is a $200 one-time fee with no additional yearly charges. There is also a payment plan available.
   
   

Hopefully this clears up any confusion you may have had about COG memberships and inspires you to become a member! For all relevant information regarding the application process, visit http://www.willmarcog.com/joinnow.php

Shop Local!

There's a reason the COG's ends statement is to

Build a vibrant economy by promoting personal wellness, cultivating a strong local foods network and celebrating a healthy, diverse and sustainable community.

10 reasons to shop locally

1. The taxes paid by local businesses help to support our community. 47% of the local tax burden in Minnesota is paid by businesses. Without their support, everyone's property taxes would be higher. (The COG is a for profit business, so it will positively impact our tax base.)
2. Spending $100 at a locally owned business keeps $68 within the local economy. (We intend to surpass the amount of dollars that stay in our community by partnering with area growers.)
3. Spending $100 at a non-locally owned business keeps $43 within the local economy.
4. Shopping online keeps $0 within our community. (Talk about travel-weary food!)
5. Community groups and non-profits are heavily dependent upon local businesses for charitable donations. (Our member-owners get to decide.)
6. Local businesses make up a significant portion of the employee base, providing more jobs for you and your family. (The COG will employ 15-20 full and part time people.)
7. Local businesses are largely responsible for attracting more people, more business and more opportunities to our community. (The COG looks to rehab an existing building downtown.)
8. Local businesses are generally more knowledgeable and have friendlier customer service. (Bet on it!)
9. Shopping locally saves you gas and time. (Easy in and out.)
10. If we do not support our local businesses, they will not survive! (Without Founding Members, we will not open.)

(Source: Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Buy Local First)

COG is a community-owned grocery, proudly owned by the members it serves and welcomes all to shop, dine and participate.  Help us open our doors by becoming a Founding Member for a one-time fee of $200.

Visit our website at www.willmardesigncenter.com/COG. See you at the COG!

What is a Founding Member?

A Founding Member is a person who purchases a member-owner interest for $200 prior to the store opening. This is a one-time fee and gives you a vote according to COG by-laws and articles. At COG's last organizing meeting on July 5, it was approved to reward early visionaries with a 5% discount on their shopping purchase once a week for the first year from when the store opens. We also plan to have a Founding Member Wall inside the store. Check out our Q&A at www.willmardesigncenter.com/COG for more member-owner perks. We raised over $5,000 in member-owner fees in June...

Welcome to COG--Your Community-Owned Grocery Store

Things are coming together so quickly, we needed to add a blog to keep you in the loop! Check our blog, website and Facebook page often to find out the latest.