WHERE WILL THE STORE BE? An exact site has not been chosen yet, though the target area is downtown Vancouver to Upper Main Street.  VFC’s site & feasibility committee is gathering information on available and suitable sites, analyzing size needs and criteria for success. VFC’s current major concentration is on building the member base necessary to support the financing necessary to open a store, and on development of a solid business plan.

 

HOW CAN I HELP GET THE STORE OPEN? Become a member.  That is the most critical need at this time.  Tell your friends and family—get them to join, too.

 

VFC has a wide variety of needs and volunteer opportunities available.  Some are short term, say, help with one event, others requiring a longer and more in depth involvement, such as serving on the committee outreach and marketing committee.  The best way to match your time and energy with jobs and tasks is to search volunteer opportunities.

 

WHAT IS A FOOD COOPERATIVE? A food cooperative (co-op) is a grocery store owned by the member community.  Local, member control is stressed, as are stocking products that benefit the local community and local economy.  Local farmers and producers are the store’s main suppliers. Co-ops are based on the values of democracy, equality, equity, education, self-responsibility, sustainability, healthy lifestyles, collaboration and cooperation, and economic and social justice. The store is open to the public, but only members reap the benefits of ownership, which vary depending on overall sales, and policies established by the members through the board of directors.