Shop Saint Joseph’s Co-op
This is the opinion of Betsy Ruckman, CSB senior.
Welcome back to campus! Did you know that there’s a grocery store just a five-minute walk from CSB? Last spring I challenged myself to get all my groceries from the Minnesota Street Market Food & Art Cooperative, and I want to encourage you to do the same.
**What is a co-op?**
Co-ops, or cooperatively owned businesses, operate for the benefit of their local members like you and me, rather than for the benefit of rich shareholders somewhere else. Stearns Electric, which provides CSB’s electricity, is a co-op too, but they sell energy instead of food.
Food co-ops provide ethically and environmentally sound goods like slave-free chocolate and organic local produce at a rate the community can afford. Major decisions are made by the board, who are elected by other members.
**What’s a member?**
Anyone can shop at the co-op, but members get special perks and privileges. I’ve been a member since Spring 2021, and a student membership is only $20 for the whole year. At the Minnesota Street Market, student members get 5% off all Sunday shopping runs. (I have long since paid off my membership with that discount!). Members also get special deals every week, a 5% discount once a month and an electronic newsletter with great recipes and food news.
**Why should I shop co-op?**
There are so many reasons! I like shopping at the Minnesota Street Market because I don’t need a car to get there. There are options for local and organic food that you can feel good about buying and eating. There’s also a bulk aisle where you can buy beans, flour, rice, nuts and more without plastic packaging—for cheaper than you’d pay at other stores! Plus, it feels good to support a thriving, energetic community of farmers and consumers. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
**Isn’t it expensive?**
When I calculated my shopping bill for last spring, the cost came out below the cheapest CSB meal plan. Meat and cheese are more expensive than at other stores; however, I find the good stuff like grains, veggies, butter, spices and flour to be cost-accessible. The Sunday 5% student discount is a good way to cut costs too. If price is a barrier for you, there’s no shame in shopping elsewhere for many of your groceries—but remember that bulk aisle when you need it!
**What do I eat?**
There are tons of guides on the internet on how to eat healthy, delicious and cheap! The ultimate struggle meal? Rice and beans, which comes out to pennies per serving! I hope this article get you excited to eat! If you have any questions or want to see what the market is all about, email me or come along on my Sunday shopping run sometime. Other questions can be directed to CSB+SJU Sustainability (sustainability@csbsju.edu) or the Minnesota Street Market (info@mnstreetmarket.com)