This October, the Ypsilanti Food Co-op is celebrating National Cooperative Month and the 50th anniversary of its opening.
Corinne Sikorski has worked at the co-op since its opening in 1975. She started as a volunteer before the organization started hiring staff. As a vegetarian going to Eastern Michigan University, Sikorski found it difficult to find nutritious food on campus because there were fewer vegetarian options.
The purpose of the co-op is to bring nutritious food to the community at a reasonable price. The food it sells is often organic and has fewer preservatives and less packaging than other grocery stores. Sikorski defines it as keeping things as close to their original state as possible.
The co-op features local produce, organic groceries, vitamins and supplements, healthy snacks and fresh meat. There’s also a deli kitchen with ready-to-eat and to-go options, as well as a bakery that produces fresh bread, pies, cookies and pastries.
“[It's] a great way to keep good food in the community,” Sikorski said.
The co-op also prioritizes sustainability. A great deal of its produce is sourced from local farmers and encourages natural farming techniques.
“My passion is for changing the world, making it a better place [and] protecting the environment,” Sikorski said.
After getting a grant in 2004, the co-op built 60 solar panels to help power the building. The building itself is also part of their efforts to be sustainable. The co-op moved into its location on North River Street in 1983, but the structure has been around since 1840. There are ongoing repairs to keep it in good condition.
“Being here has its challenges, but it keeps the community vibrant,” Sikorski said.
The co-op makes just enough money to keep running the day-to-day operations. Other expenses are maintained by memberships. Anybody can pay an upfront, lifetime fee of $200 or pay in installments. The membership comes with up to a 4% discount on items. The co-op has had thousands of members over the years and currently has around 1,390.
Members can also special-order products. A member can come in, call or email to request information on the price of a product. They tell the cashier what they want, put down a $10 deposit, and the order comes within a week. Sikorski said special ordering items in bulk is a great way to save money.
During the month of October, the co-op has planned events to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The co-op will also put together a time capsule to be opened in another 50 years.
However, the co-op isn’t just a store; it’s a place to build community. The same people come back, run into neighbors and stop to talk to people. Community information is shared and spread through bulletins and newsletters.
For more information, schedules or menus, visit the co-op's website or Facebook page.
