You have questions
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What is a Co-Op?
MANNA Food Co-op is a physical store that is open all year round! This is an excellent place where you can purchase fresh, healthy, locally-grown produce and goods.
A co-op is built on values including personal responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, honesty and social responsibility. It exists to build and sustain thriving communities through cooperative efforts to connect those who grow food and those who consume the fruits of such labor. MANNA Food Co-op partners with numerous organizations to expand this sense of community vitality through health and wellness education, as well as providing our customers a way to preserve small, local farms and support families in need through our LOCAL JEWEL Sponsorship.
Know your Farmer; Know Your Food is an initiative that focuses on cultivating new opportunities for local farms to help keep families on the land and make sure the next generation of producers can find a career in agriculture. Food co-ops have existed for centuries as a way to connect communities to fresh, locally-produced food sources. A food co-op provides small, area growers with a place to market their goods. It also allows them to support their families while feeding the community and it connects the community to quality, locally produced food.
Why should I
join MANNA Food Co-Op?
Co-ops exist to benefit their members. Each shareholder has a vote in how the business is governed. Benefits of co-op membership are many, including:
- Member/Owner Specials and Discounts
- Dividends (a share of the profits according to use)
- Discounts to Special Events & Workshops
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Voice in the Control of the Co-op
- Autonomy and Independence
- Invitations to Events and Workshops
- Provide the Community With Quality Local and Natural Food
- Small, Local Farm Preservation
We believe co-ops are an excellent model of how to live as a community by caring deeply for each other.
FAQS
When will the co-op relocate?
We anticipate moving to downtown as soon as June as soon as we reach our minimal milestone on our way to our capital campaign goal of $400,000. We can reach this goal through member-owners buying preferred shares, new households becoming members, and the general public providing donations. A capital campaign page is forthcoming with our plans. Stay tuned.
Where is MANNA Food Co-op?
It is located at 105 Barbara Avenue in Detroit Lakes across from M-State on Highway 34. Our location is conveniently located on the Northside of Detroit Lakes and has lots of great parking.
What are the benefit of being a member/owner OF MANNA?
Member discounts on purchases and special events and workshops. Members also recieve dividends (share of profits according to use), along with having a voice in the control of the co-op. More importantly, however, membership helps build an organization which provides quality local and natural food for our community in addition to health and wellness education.
Who controls the co-op?
In a cooperative, members democratically control the direction of the business through the election of a board of directors. The board, in turn, sets goals and hire management to operate the business. As of 2020, MANNA has a full board of seven directors and a General Manager, Diane Webb.
Why should I buy local?
The local foods movement has grown nationwide. This trend is stronger than ever and it is fueled by people wanting to know “what is in my food and where is my food coming from?” We are deeply committed and have the communities support. As local growing season spreads across the country, co-op grocers nationwide are celebrating the freshest, best, and most delicious local foods with the “Eat, Local, America!” initiative. Buying local is great for the community and it shows to our customers that we care about their health and well-being. Eating local means more money stays within your community. Every dollar spent generates twice as much income for the local economy. Local produce is fresher and tastes better because it is usually sold within 24 hours of being picked. When we buy local foods, we create a more intimate relationship with the people who grow our food because they’re our neighbors.
I'm a local farmer, can I sell goods at your store?
We believe that a co-op is the great place for local producers to get their products out to the local community because the co-op brings together a critical mass of growers and producers to showcase local products in one place. We ask that all farmers or artisans interested in selling at the store become members (one-time fee of $150), just as one would pay a market fee to sell at a farmers market. Please inquire with staff at the store to discuss whether your product will fit.
What is the difference between a food co-op and a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)?
A CSA is a box filled with fresh food which is put together by a farmer and usually delivered on a monthly basis. A food co-op is a physical retail store that has fresh local foods and products and is open all year round.
We encourage you to come into our store to not only see what is available, but to also ask questions about health and wellness. We have locally grown produce and goods to purchase which come from a variety of local farmers, along with bulk foods, supplements, essential oils and more! You can come in and select just the items you want at precisely the moment you want them. Please come in and shop for fresh local produce and goods today!!
FAQS
When will the co-op open?
We are now open.
Where is Manna Food Co-op?
It is located at 105 Barbara Avenue in Detroit Lakes across from M-State on Highway 34. Our location is convenienly located, has lots of great parking, and even a drive through coming soon!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO BEING A MEMBER/OWNER OF MANNA?
Member discounts on purchases and special events and workshops. Members also recieve dividends (share of profits according to use), along with having a voice in the control of the co-op. More importantly, however, membership helps build a store which provides quality local and natural food for our community.
WHO BENEFITS FROM THE CO-OP'S EXISTENCE?
Member discounts on purchases and special events and workshops. Members also recieve dividends (share of profits according to use), along with having a voice in the control of the co-op. More importantly, however, membership helps build a store which provides quality local and natural food for our community.
WHO CONTROLS A CO-OP?
In a cooperative, members democratically control the direction of the business. In most co-ops each member gets one vote. Members elect a board of directors to monitor the business, set goals and hire management to operate the business. Ultimately, the board is accountable to the members for its decisions.
WHY SHOULD I BUY LOCAL?
The local foods movement has grown nationwide. This trend is stronger than ever and it is fueled by people wanting to know “what is in my food and where is my food coming from?” We are deeply committed and have the communities support. As local growing season spreads across the country, co-op grocers nationwide are celebrating the freshest, best, and most delicious local foods with the “Eat, Local, America!” initiative. Buying local is great for the community and it shows to our customers that we care about their health and well-being. Eating local means more money stays within your community. Every dollar spent generates twice as much income for the local economy. Local produce is fresher and tastes better because it is usually sold within 24 hours of being picked. When we buy local foods, we create a more intimate relationship with the people who grow our food because they’re our neighbors.
I’M A LOCAL FARMER CAN I SELL MY GOODS TO YOUR STORE?
We believe that a co-op is the best place for local producers to get their products out to the local communities. Please go to our contact us page to fill out the inquiry and we will respond back as soon as we can.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOOD CO-OP AND A CSA (COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE)?
A CSA is a box filled with fresh food which is put together by a farmer and usually delivered on a monthly basis. A food co-op is a physical retail store that has fresh local foods and products and is open all year round.
We encourage you to come into our store to not only see what is available, but to also ask questions about health and wellness. We have locally grown produce and goods to purchase which come from a variety of local farmers, along with bulk foods, supplements, essential oils and more! You can come in and select just the items you want at precisely the moment you want them. Please come in and shop for fresh local produce and goods today!!
