Co-op stays committed despite the challenges

The co-op has been in the city for more than three decades.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- "We're committed to Youngstown, we're committed to the neighborhood," said Betsy Stark, general manager of Good Food Co-op.
Having said that, Stark admitted the co-op is experiencing financial challenges. "This summer we really struggled. It was the worst summer we've had. We just didn't have the people coming into the shop."
The co-op, which has been part of the Youngstown landscape since the 1970s, is a hidden treasure, Stark said. "We do find people who don't know we're here. But I think of us as a landmark in Youngstown since we've been here so long," she said.
Given the fact that the food co-op offers whole grains, beans, whole-grain pastas, 100 percent organic produce, frozen and canned organic foods, an array of teas and a huge variety of herbs -- trendy foods in demand by consumers focused on healthy eating and those with food allergies -- it would seem the store would be booming.
But a combination of factors have curbed its trade.
The Good Food Co-op had benefited from foot traffic generated by Pyatt Street Diner, Pyatt Street Market and the neighborhood in general. But that's no longer the case.
Past to present
In the late 1970s, when the co-op moved to Pyatt from its former location in a church basement, the neighborhood was bustling. It's easy to envision an area filled with people and activity when Pyatt Street Market was operating. Now, the co-op and a couple of other businesses share a quiet street that's off the beaten track.
"There's been a steady decline ... with the closing of the market a few years ago, the diner last year and the general decline of housing," Stark said.
The co-op has a low-key storefront but a welcoming entrance accented by seasonal decorations. There's also a large swing and some chairs set out on the concrete landing, where customers could linger should they so desire.
The food co-op, which was formed in 1975, follows the tenants of the International Cooperative Alliance: an open and voluntary membership, one member-one vote, member economic participation through member equity investment, control of the co-op is in the hands of members, education about natural and organic foods, cooperation among members and concern for community.
Co-op's goal
The goal of the food cooperative, which is owned by its membership of 550 families, is to offer wholesome, unprocessed foods without additives, preservatives or artificial ingredients. By paying a membership fee of $25, each family buys a share of the co-op and benefits from the buying power of the entire membership. Members have a voice in the co-op's direction through the annual meeting and electing a board of directors.
"It's part of our mission to offer nonprocessed foods and educate people how to use whole foods," Stark said. She also noted that whole foods don't cost as much as processed foods. One of the original tenants of a grant that helped in the early years of the co-op was to involve low-income people in the food-buying club so they would have access to good nutrition at reasonable prices.
The co-op's emphasis is on quality and unique products, which are displayed on simple shelving. Orders are bagged in brown paper bags or plastic bags. There's no flashy packaging or sleek setting.
But just as different brands of clothes, cosmetics and household products compete for consumer dollars so do the food stores. "We're up against big stores who have a lot more buying power than we do," Stark said.
Depends on support
Stark said Good Food depends on member support to keep afloat. The families who are members hail from communities in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties, and there are some members from Hermitage, Pa.
"We used to have two nonmembers to every member who shopped in the store," she said. "Though members spend more, it's now two members to every one nonmember who shops."
The changing finances also have forced a change in staff. The co-op formerly had eight paid employees; it downsized to four in addition to Stark. "There has been some talk about moving," she said, "but the membership would have to vote on it and raise money to do so."
Though finances have causes some changes; the quality and diversity of products remains in tact. "We were organic before it was popular," she pointed out.
If you're on a special diet or need to restrict salt, sugar or caffeine, Good Foods may have it or can get it. Stark said the co-op buys from two national suppliers, United Natural Foods and Tree of Life. The co-op also gives its business to Ohio companies and family-owned enterprises whose philosophies are in harmony with the co-op, Stark said. The co-op buys from some 40 vendors.