Buy Local, Buy Local, Buy Local!
This is what we hear coming out from small businesses everywhere in America
these days. Why does this matter and who
really cares? I care, the Richmond
Food Co-op cares, and now businesses in Richmond can show they care. Supporting your local businesses not only
drives the local economy but it creates a sense of community in your town. The Co-op is proud to announce
the launch of its Buy Local Program. This
program gives member/owners privileges at participating establishments in
Richmond. These small businesses value
their community and understand what it takes to make Richmond thrive in today’s
economic climate.
We are pleased to announce the first 6 local businesses that have aligned their values
and said, yes, we believe the Co-op is a great way to drive the
local economy! This vision is
why I became a member/owner of the Co-op, and now Co-Chair the Buy local
Committee. I enjoy healthy and delicious food, but realize that my eating
habits can negatively impact my wallet. I
believe in the Co-op business model because it brings sustainable, local food
to the masses, by lowering the costs to the consumer. With lower operating costs and a lower profit
margin, prices can also be lower. With the establishment of the Co-op, healthy
food moves from being a trend for the elite, to a way of life for all.
The Buy Local Program allows member/owners to
start receiving tangible benefits during the startup phase of the Co-op. Starting this month, anyone who presents their
membership card at a participating business will receive a discount on their
purchase.
Amy Ayers, Owner of Julep’s
New Southern Cuisine has supported the local economy for over a decade
by sourcing local and sustainable products since day one. Amy is proud to participate with discounts at
both Julep’s
and Mint. Olio Uptown, where we held our February event has supported the Co-op
since the beginning. Black Hand Coffee, serving fresh daily roasted coffee is a neighborhood favorite and site of many Co-op planning sessions. Hawthorne Healing Arts is an integrative medicine clinic who also believes in healthy food for all. Finally, Brooke March, Licensed Massage Therapist, is a founding Co-op member and believes a strong community starts with great food and healthy individuals. For more on the program and our participating partners, visit our website.
Our team plans to grow the participating members
exponentially over the next few months to bring even more benefits to our
member/owners. Any businesses who would
like to put their money where their values are, we encourage reaching out via
email at BuyLocal@RichmondFoodCoop.com.
-Jamie Nowakowski, Buy Local Committee Co-Chair
Updates to the Program:
