Tacoma Food Co-op: the long, arduous journey

August 27, 2009 at 2:58am

MATT DRISCOLL: WHEN SOCIAL PROFIT TRUMPS FINANCIAL PROFIT >>>

Still, thereâ€™s a lot of work yet to be done before the Tacoma Food Co-op vision is a reality, and sometimes people donâ€™t realize that an ever changing, democratic body like the one necessary to power a food co-op takes time to develop. A storefront doesnâ€™t pop up overnight, and â€" for success â€" the groundwork has to be laid properly, which requires a lot of community building elbow grease. Businesses are easy to start, says Julio Quan, the former executive director of Tacomaâ€™s Centro Latino and a self-described Co-op supporter â€œsince the womb.â€ Co-ops arenâ€™t.

The Tacoma Food Co-op is well on its way yet far from the finish line. And those behind the Tacoma Food Co-op are tired but relentless. My impression is they wonâ€™t be denied, and they want to recruit you.

â€œWe have the instruments, the foundation, the technical parts,â€ says Quan. â€œWe are responsible for this pregnancy. Itâ€™s about to be born. Now it has to be developed by the community.â€

Throughout our discussion, Quan regularly turns the spotlight in my direction, quizzing me â€" to some extent â€" on just how much I actually know about co-ops.

Itâ€™s a good place to start.

Read how I did and my story on the Tacoma Food Co-op here.

Filed under: Community, Food & Drink, Green Crush, Matt Driscoll, Sustainability, Tacoma,

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