Buy Local!

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: 

• 5/21/13: Welcome Local Suds! 
• 5/22/13: Welcome Lockhart Family Farm!