If you are looking for a change of pace from your normal processed and packaged diet, you might want to check out the Ypsilanti Food Co-Op next time you do your shopping. Located in Depot Town, the member-owned store has a full stock of organic, natural and locally produced groceries.
A food co-operative is a store owned and operated by people who become a member of it. By buying a membership — $200 for a lifetime, which can be paid all at once or in $20 yearly payments — owners are investing in the store. Instead of making a direct financial profit from this investment, the return on the membership fee is discounted, unprocessed and wholesome food.
Though the store is owned and operated by its members, you do not have to be a paying member to shop there; it’s open to the public.
Keep in mind: You won’t find an aisle devoted to Doritos here, or any Cheez-Its, Mountain Dew or Hostess Cupcakes. You won’t find Top Ramen or Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, either.
What you will find, however, are fresh farm eggs, cheese and milk, homemade tofu, locally picked apples, tomatoes and potatoes and a plethora of organic and healthy snacks. They have a selection of Michigan-made beer and wines. You can also put a healthy twist on the typical college diet with Annie’s Organic boxed macaroni and cheese or Amy’s organic frozen pizzas.
The tiny store is jam-packed with foods of all kinds. It also has a huge selection of tea and fair-trade coffees, a health and beauty aisle and a lot of holistic herbal and vitamin supplements.
The recently renovated co-op also features a bakery with a wood-fired brick oven, which allows staff to make and sell fresh artisan breads right there in the store.
“I usually go to Meijer when I need groceries,” said Sydnie Rushing, a freshman at EMU who had not previously heard of the co-op. “But I would definitely be willing to check it out.”
While Meijer certainly has a larger selection and lower prices, the Ypsilanti Co-Op has the home-field advantage. It’s close, within walking distance to campus, and the money generated by the store stays in the local area.
“It’s not always about making money,” said general manager and former EMU student Corrine Sikorski. “It’s about doing it for the community.”
Sikorski has been involved with the co-op since the beginning, in 1975.
“I love Meijer,” she said. “It’s a great place to go when you need to get all of your shopping done at once, but it can be a big task if you just need a gallon of milk.”
One of the attractive features of the co-op is many of its products can be bought in bulk, but the Ypsi Co-Op is about more than just food. They are often involved in fundraisers and local events, and do a lot to promote awareness about fair trade and sustainable living.
At 7 p.m. at the Ypsilanti Public Library, the Co-Op is pairing with Maggie’s Organics — a national fair-trade clothing company based out of Ypsilanti — for a panel discussion on fair trade practices.
The Ypsilanti Co-Op accepts EBT Food Stamps and the WIC program. Some of the WIC food products are federally specified and not what it would sell otherwise but Sikorski said, “We make an exception in order to have that program.”
You can visit the Ypsilanti Co-Op at 312 North River St., right in Depot Town, or check out its booth at the farmer’s markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Pick up a brochure for more information on becoming a member.
