Free Range Food Co-op

In October 2015, a small group of community members came together to talk about the possibility of developing a food co-op in the Grand Rapids area. From the beginning, the mission at the forefront of the conversation was how to strengthen the local food system and better support local growers and producers. During the process, the group has evolved from a handful of people just trying to wrap their minds around how to even begin, to an incorporated entity with over 1,170 owners and a growing organizing team.

Our food co-op is being built by the community, for the community. A volunteer board of directors and organizing team are completing the business tasks in addition to community outreach in order to raise awareness to the co-op and build ownership. FRFC is working closely with Food Co-op Initiative, which is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to help advise, mentor and offer resources to start-up food co-ops. 

We are following a development timeline that includes five stages that lay out both the critical tasks and ownership goals that must be completed before we move on to the next stage. Because of the volunteer structure and the necessity to have community support and ownership, the development process for starting a modern co-op can take 8-10 years, or more.

Building a grocery store is a complex process. We are entering into the pre-construction phase and with the funds raised here we will be able to hire a store designer to translate our vision into reality!

Our Mission: Free Range Food Co-op is a cooperatively-owned grocery store committed to community well-being through access to local, wholesome, organic foods and goods.

Our Vision

Because of Us:

1. We have a thriving, cooperatively-owned grocery store which welcomes everyone and cultivates relationships with people in Itasca County and beyond.

2. We have engaged and involved owners who actively work to strengthen the co-op through cooperative ownership and collaboration.

3. We have a growing, resilient, regional food system through direct support to local growers and producers.

4. Our community has a leader that models and promotes sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship.

5. We have a welcoming space where people come together to share ideas, learn, and empower each other through education and cooperation.