Food co-op board to hold fundraiser

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BROOKINGS – The local group developing a food co-op in Brookings will hold a breakfast burrito fundraiser at the Brookings Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 21. 

Community members are invited to come grab a burrito and learn more about the Dakota Community Market – a planned co-op and community space.

The breakfast burritos will be prepared and served by members of the Dakota Community Market Co-Op Development Board and will feature ingredients from local farmers and producers, who will ultimately play a major role in the co-op as suppliers. Burrito options will include meat, vegetarian and vegan, and will cost a recommended donation of $5 each. The Brookings Farmers Market is held from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday on Sixth Avenue between the Brookings County Courthouse and Brookings Public Library.

Dakota Community Market Food Co-op is in the early stages of business development, and the fundraiser will support the costs associated with incorporation, establishing by-laws, and other startup expenses.

“The establishment of Dakota Community Market Food Co-op will benefit Brookings and surrounding communities not only as a resource for healthy, sustainable food options but as an organization willing to provide nutrition and wellness education, advocate for environmental and social responsibilities, and become a community space where all folks are welcome,” said Louise Snodgrass, development board president.

Food cooperatives differ from traditional grocery stores in the membership model, which allows community members to become partner-owners of the co-op, who can vote on business decisions and share in yearly profits. They also host community education events related to food, local agriculture and sustainable practices.

The development board members are community volunteers with experience in food production, grocery management, community outreach and business development.

For more information, call Snodgrass at 695-7531 or email brookingscoopgrocery@gmail.com. Updates about the Dakota Community Market can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/dakotacommunitycoop.