Monday, May 3, marked the 10-year anniversary of the day the Benalla Food Co-op first opened its doors.
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With a new coordinator at the helm volunteers are looking forward to another decade of bringing fresh, local produce to the Rose City.
To highlight their dedication it has to be noted that three of the volunteers manning the co-op that day, where there on day one.
Outgoing coordinator Christine Holmes said she was pleased to have the perfect person to take over - Suzanne Bennett.
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“After 10 years as coordinator, I am delighted to be handing over to Susanne and have no doubt she will bring fresh ideas and input to the organisation,” Ms Holmes said.
“The first 10 years has been about setting up, then getting it established.
“Since then it has grown and consolidated into a really viable, functioning food co-op.
“We used to open once a month, then it needed to be increase to twice a month, and now we’re open once a week.
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“So I am really pleased to be able to hand over to Suzanne exactly 10 years to the day we first opened.”
Ms Holmes had suggested the idea of a food co-op at a forum on sustainability organised by Benalla Sustainable Future Group in 2010.
“Venue, freight, food supplies, food health and safety were just a few major considerations that had to be worked through in the beginning,” she said.
“Initially, without any finance, the cooperative relied on setting up costs coming from membership fees and members volunteering seed money.”
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This was crucial to getting the Co-op started and significant as it demonstrated the willingness of the small number of interested people wanting to make it work.
The aims of the cooperative are to encourage the responsible use of our Earth’s resources, reduce packaging and excessive handling of food, support Australian growers where possible, as well as reducing food miles and food costs.
It is a not-for-profit organisation that gives the community of Benalla and district the option of purchasing high-quality, non-perishable food items, sourced locally where possible.
“We are proud to support many valued local producers in our district,” Ms Holmes said.
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“The co-op stocks non-perishable foods, such as flour, cereals, legumes, dried fruits and nuts, olive oil, honey, Fairtrade tea and coffee, to name a few products.
“Members bring their own containers for food items.”
Ms Holmes said she believed it was important to keep prices affordable, while offering high-quality products.
“Along with the overall aims it soon became apparent there was an underlying appreciation at the food co-op for the friendly atmosphere when shopping, and the empowerment of an independent group running it,” she said.
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“It has enabled friendships to develop and provided an opportunity for like-minded people to share company and commitment.”
Membership has steadily increased in the past decades and the Co-op now stocks 120 products.
The food co-op is open once a week on:
● The first Monday of the month, 4 pm to 6 pm;
● The second and fourth Saturday of the month, 9.30 am to 11.30 am; and
● The third Thursday of the month 9.30 am to 11.30 am.
It is located at the Benalla Uniting Church, Carrier St, (opposite Coles) in the old kindergarten hall.
● Details about membership of the Benalla Food Co-operative can be accessed through the BSFG website.
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