My favorite food is steak. I love rib eye steak. I like running rather than watching movies. I'm not a fan of any sports wear store. I'm a programmer. I prefer online shopping. I'm not a melomaniac. I don't have a preference in music. I like to support independent farmers. I do not support corporations.  I have thought about setting up my own farm. I play the lottery. I developed a website for a local farmer. I think we need more local produce. I am involved with getting a co-op started. I want to use my co-op as an educational tool for kids. I am researching ways to keep kids engaged and interested in the co-op. I am planning a trip to the beach.
My favorite food is popcorn. I like country music. I like  Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. I have never done mail-order steak before but I am willing to try. I have a mortgage to pay off. I would like to become a country musician. I know how to play the guitar. I do not live close to a co-op but I wish I did. I would drink too much if I took a trip to the beach.
Have you ever thought about trying to start your own co-op with some of your neighbors? It has actually crossed my mind a lot since we last spoke! There is one about an hour away. I was thinking of going to talk to them and see how their business model is working and helping the community.  I think that's a good idea.  Getting information straight from people who have the experience is usually invaluable, and I'm sure they'd love to tell you about their co-op. And I would of course do a little shopping as a thank you. I have started to realize that there are many areas in my city that are food deserts. A co-op could really change lives here. Yes, that seems like a fair barter: a little information for some business.  In your city is it anything in particular that's difficult to get? If you don't have a car it is basically impossible to get fresh produce if you live downtown. There is a farmers market once a month. It is something, but that really is not enough to make a real impact. Wow, that does seem like a real desert.  And it's not just a convenience issue, or an issue of personal preference, but a health issue.  You're right that a co-op could really do a lot of good in a lot of ways. It is!! It is so easy to forget when you have a car and can get what you like, but not everyone is so lucky. Do you know the best way to get others involved? City counsel meeting or go straight to the community? I think going straight to the community is probably better.  Real grass roots stuff.  If you associate it with city counsel you run the risk of people being turned off of it, or city counsel being encouraged to interfere too much. Ahh. Yes, I hear ya. Probably better to make sure there is support from the community and make sure they are getting something that is actually useful for them. This sounds like an exciting project but also a lot of work.  Are you intimidated by the thought of it or just more excited? Hahaha honestly, it makes me want to go to the beach and drink with you this weekend hahaha. But I am excited. There is definitely a need and I don't think I can ignore it. I should probably starts researching grants and whatnot too. Probably lots of overhead monies to get started.