East End Food CO-OP

Many years ago I joined the East End co-op when there was no paid staff and members volunteered to work a few hours a month in the store. This year is the 35th anniversary of the co-op. So aside from the fact that I am now getting pretty old, the store has grown, and there is a unionized staff who earn a living wage with benefits. There is an emphasis on fair trade, local and organic products, as well as commercial and conventional choices. The products are a reflection of what the membership and the community want to buy. Shoppers and members have input into suggesting new products for the store to carry. Ironically, the work that our communities have done to create fine stores such as this is now being cashed in on by corporations that have adopted a "health food community look" such as Whole Foods and Capers. Even Safeway has started creating organic food lines. While I guess that people appreciate the wider availability of organic foods, I would suggest that if you are serious about living a sustainable lifestyle and are also committed to community support and growth, you could consider shopping at the Co-op. You don't need to be a member to shop there, but if you want to become one, all you need to do is buy a $20 share, which will be reimbursed to you if you stop being a member. If you join and are interested, you can run for the board of directors, or get involved in the various committees. All the while supporting the last remaining member owned food co-op in Vancouver.