Our Local Food Co-op
/Davis Food Co-op
Do you have a local food co-op where you shop for organic food? Not far from my home in Northern California, the Davis Food Co-op offers treats for everyone.
Just the other day, I had to smile as I waited in the checkout lane at the co-op. Instead of staring at gossip magazines with racy rumors, I found myself looking at the magazine Buddhadharma that featured the question: “What is enlightenment?”
Buying In Bulk
The bulk bins are sumptuous with a wide variety of choices. Since the store has a large customer base, the bulk items remain fresh. It’s joyful to bring your own containers and weigh and label them. Skilled checkout clerks weigh the filled container and subtracting its weight from the bulk goods.
It's a sense of satisfaction knowing that I'm taking less plastic home with me. I fill various types and sizes of glass Mason jars with colorful beans, nuts and lentils. They are a source of visual delight sitting on my kitchen counter.
The Olive Bar
Another opportunity to buy in bulk is the olive bar. I always take time to visit the colorful display filled with plump tidbits to please the palate.
Fresh Pure Waters
The water machine offers reverse osmosis water and is perfect for brewing Kombucha. I fill up gallon jugs with pure water that I use to prepare my healthy, probiotic concoction. I purchased plastic containers that are BPA-free and refill them over and over again.
Co-op Membership
One aspect of a co-op that appeals to me is the membership. I feel like a participant of the store, rather than just another faceless customer spending money. As members, we have an interest and stake in the success of the store. I suppose it connects to the old adage: "It takes a village."
“Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.”
When the day comes that I have to move away from the area, I will miss this co-op experience.
