Celebrating communityowned businesses

This Saturday, the first Philadelphia Grocery Co-op Day will feature deals, demos, samples and more.

Bubbling with field-trip excitement, a group of third graders entered Swarthmore Co-op eager for a tour. Passing bins of local apples, they peppered their guide with questions, wondering what makes a co-op a co-op?

Short for cooperative, “a co-op is a community-owned business,” said Mike Litka, general manager. “If you’re a big believer in supporting local producers and local farms, we’re the place to go.”

See for yourself this Saturday the first-ever Philadelphia Grocery Co-op Day, featuring deals, demos, “new member swag,” samples and more.

“October is National Co-op Month, and we just felt that it was a great opportunity to get the word out about co-ops,” he added. “I think the Philadelphia market doesn’t really know it’s out there or how deep it goes.”

Last year, area food co-ops did $42 million in sales, putting profits back into communities. More than 16,000 members invest in shares of the business, earning “equal voting rights,” discounts and other benefits. But co-ops aren’t exclusive.

“We’re similar to most grocery stores in that anyone can shop here,” explained Kathleen Casey, development manager for Weaver’s Way Co-op in Ambler, Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy. “It functions as sort of a community hub as well as a place for great food.”

Savor everything from freshly made chicken pot pie to Mom’s Tuna, a best-seller.

“There’s nothing sexy or special about Mom’s Tuna, but it’s universal,” said executive chef Bonnie Shuman. “There’s something timeless and classic about it.”

And for a seasonal treat, try a Philly Bread Co. pumpkin Philly Muffin - perfect with whipped honey cream cheese.

“You can make a vegan version with a vegan cream cheese,” she noted. “And instead of honey, you could use agave.”

How sweet it is … to have shopping options. Rounding out the list: Kensington Community Food Co-op, West Philadelphia’s Mariposa Food Co-op and South Philly Food Co-op, opening soon. Plus, stay tuned for planned cooperatives in West Chester and Kennett Square.

“There’s an alternative place to shop that’s welcoming and focused on the needs of the community,” Casey said, “that’s interested in creating a really robust local economy and supporting local businesses.”

Don’t forget your passport!

This Saturday, Oct. 19, grab a Philly Grocery Co-op Passport and start exploring. Collect stamps to win prizes like Equal Exchange chocolate bars, local coffee and even a $25 gift card.

The Philadelphia area boasts “one of the largest concentrations of grocery co-ops per capita in the country,” according to organizers, who encourage people “to think, shop and spend locally.”

Complete the passport by Nov. 1. Learn more at www.PhillyGroceryCoopDay.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEAVER’S WAY CO-OP At Weaver’s Way Co-op, members can pay $30 a year until reaching the $400 max.

IMAGE COURTESY OF PHILADELPHIA GROCERY CO-OP DAY Visit area grocery co-ops, stamp your passport and earn prizes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWARTHMORE CO-OP Founded in 1937, Swarthmore’s “the third oldest food cooperative in the country.” A lifetime membership costs $300.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIPOSA FOOD CO-OP West Philadelphia’s Mariposa Food Co-op offers fresh, local and organic groceries.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN Bins of apples tempt Swarthmore Co-op shoppers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEAVER’S WAY CO-OP Bonnie Shuman’s the executive chef for Weaver’s Way Co-op.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN Area co-ops support more than 500 local producers like The Howe Farm, selling fresh turkeys.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH PHILLY FOOD CO-OP On Oct. 19, take “Hard Hat Tours” of South Philly Food Co-op.