Oak Park shoppers who want to be part of the sustainability movement have been waiting for the opening of the village's first member-owned co-op. They were rewarded for their patience when the Sugar Beet Food Co-op opened its doors on July 31 with a “soft” opening.
A look at the items for sale revealed goods that can be found at most stores, though Chris Roland, the co-op's general manager, said they plan to source their products from the local area if at all possible. Offerings range from bulk and packaged foods, to body care products, cleaning supplies, and beer and wine.
The co-op got its start thanks to the efforts of Jenny Jocks Stelzer and Cheyl Munoz, who got together with their Oak Park neighbors and started a grassroots effort that finally brought the grocery to the village. The store relies on memberships, which cost $250 for families, and $50 for low-income people, students, and seniors. There are now more than 1,100 members in Sugar Beet, and Munoz expects that number to grow quickly now the location is open.
Sugar Beet managers could work with a flyer printing company to create a handout for distribution near the store on its official opening day. If they include a coupon for a discount for purchases, they could draw even more visitors to the co-op.
