Why Co-Ops Are Important

Hi, everyone!

Nothing about this newsletter evokes a thought-provoking emotion other than… the title. Although I'm sure most of you know what a co-op is, how we choose to utilize it is entirely different from just viewing it, saying, "Aww, oh my gosh, a co-op," and continuing to purchase things at Meijer, Walmart, or Kroger.

Some other things I've been thinking about:

• In less than six months, I'll be 23, a milestone I'm looking forward to. I know that doesn't affect anyone other than me, but I have witnessed and learned so many new things, not just about myself but also about who I surround myself with, in terms of growth, learning, and figuring out who I want to be in the long run. I finished reading King and the Dragonflies a while ago, and I know most of you are like ??? Ariana, what does this have to do with anything ??? But it is a young adult novel that focuses on a young man named Kingston in the South. He deals with understanding the complex emotions surrounding his sexuality, school, home, and, most importantly, grief. I read this book for my diverse children's literature class earlier this semester, and it was such a great read. I recommend everyone read it (Amazon's paperback copy is $8.49). I appreciate how publishing companies let people of color talk about things other than cultural celebrations and freedom. There is so much more to talk about other than that, and I am glad this book talks about more than one thing revolving around a young person's mind and the confusion around love, life, and loss.

• I'm thrilled about the idea of starting an article club. I can't wait to hear what form of literature you love, whether it's a poem, short story, or graphic novel. I want to know! I want to host more parties, have book clubs, and talk to people with different mindsets. Today's letter includes why co-ops are essential and how and why we should attend more of them as a community!

Have an excellent rest of your week :) I am looking forward to chatting with you all more :)

This newsletter will focus on four local food co-ops in the Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Detroit areas. I'm only choosing to discuss four of them because this letter could go on forever if I spoke about them all, their purposes, and how we can better our community. I also don't want this to be a longer letter either, for your sake! There are many types of co-ops within our communities, but today, I will focus on our local food co-ops.

SO! Let's start with the basics: What is a food co-op? A food co-op is owned by the community (or you if you choose to be a part of it). Unlike corporate chains, food co-ops focus on the community income level and what people decide to buy, prepare, and eat. While every co-op is unique, they're all united by a common goal: to ensure everyone can access the delicious and healthy food they deserve.

• Ypsilanti Food Co-Op is the first I'm going to talk about. I am providing the link to their Facebook page since their website is currently down and under construction. Ypsilanti Food Co-Op focuses on feeding the Ypsilanti community in Depot Town near Hyperion. I enjoyed visiting Ypsilanti Food Co-Op and seeing all the local and fresh ingredients they provide for the community.

• People's Food Co-Op is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This co-op was started as a graduate student project under Professor Al Conner, who is still a member today! This project also snowballed as more faculty and staff joined the co-op day by day. This is a perfect example of an evolving co-op in today's society as they provided as much as possible to not only the students, locals, and neighbors of the Ann Arbor community. An excellent Co-op to go to if you are in the Ann Arbor area and can walk downtown to get groceries, food, and everyday living essentials!

• Detroit Food Co-Op, a personal favorite of mine, is at 8324 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI. As both a member and a soon-to-be shopper, I am excited to be able to contribute to Detroit's food community. Opening this food co-op again will open doors for residents who need access to healthy and nutritious food to keep them going daily.

I am not content to sit back and wait for the next big thing to happen. Instead, I am actively pursuing it, chasing after it with all my might. This is my plan and my determination, and I am excited to see where it leads me.