The transitions of the sixties in our culture reached far and wide, even into our farming and food access; putting many family farmers at risk and out of business. New farming methods began to threaten the quality of our foods and within the decade, food cooperatives began to spring up all around the country. People wanted whole, healthy foods sold through a new, cooperative -not corporate, business model.
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1971 |
Co-op opens as a retail store with the motto Food for People, Not for Profit. All work is done by member-owners. All decisions are made by member-owners at monthly meetings. Financing is provided to start Lexington, North Buffalo and Allentown Co-ops by the UB Student Activity fee. |
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1973 |
Co-op hires first paid staff to coordinate member workers. These “Coordinators” report to the membership. |
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1975 |
Co-op moves from 226 Lexington to 810 Elmwood Ave. Moves back to Lexington 2 years later. |
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1983 |
Member-owners lend $40,000 to finance a remodel of the store at 230 Lexington. In the Tuna Wars of ’83, member-owners spend a year debating whether the co-op should carry tuna |
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1987 |
Co-op restructures to become a representative democracy with a one-time $80 investment and a 15 member Board of Directors. Jenny Bruce hired as the first General Manager. |
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1999 |
Planning begins for the eventual move to Elmwood with 13 member-owner forums over 2 years. Process results in a vision for a co-op that is on Elmwood with a deli, parking and natural light. |
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2005 |
Co-op moves to 807 Elmwood on July 27th. Financed with $560,000 in loans from owners, the 2nd largest loan campaign among co-ops nationwide. Sales and member-ownerships double. |
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2015 |
After 2 years of conversation with owners, Board approves our BIG Direction, the co-op’s long term plan to bring our values to life by fostering a thriving co-op in every community that wants one |
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2017 |
Second store opens at 1678 Hertel Ave! Financed with $2.1 million in investments from member-owners |