I have been a member of the Baker Food Co-op since returning to my ometown in 1988. I enjoy being part of a community of people who value quality natural food and shopping in an environment that focuses on that. I believe that the co-op is a unique asset to the community and for that reason I accepted the invitation to join the board of directors when asked to do so last fall.

As explained in a recent Baker City Herald article (7-7-22), the co-op has reached a point where it is necessary to ask those who want to see the co-op continue operations into the future to step up and pledge their support. Shoppers are being asked to pledge to spend at least $75 monthly. An error in the article stated that there is an annual administrative fee of $25. That fee is actually just $10. The $25 fee is for a life-time membership that also gives you 10% off all purchases for the first 30 days of your membership. I encourage you to seriously consider making this pledge and working on changing your shopping habits just a little to make it work for you.

If you haven’t been to the co-op for a while, stop in and see what’s there. The hours are convenient, there’s no parking lot to navigate and you will find a friendly atmosphere with an abundance of great food to help feed yourself and your family.

The opportunity to purchase many items in bulk, while re-using your own container, is a great way to economize on groceries and cut down on throwaway plastic in your life. Bulk grains and flours are available in organic as well as non-organic options. You can even purchase liquid soaps of all sorts and personal care products in bulk. Membership is not required to shop, but there is a 5% discount to members for items on the shelf. Items special ordered earn a greater discount. Give it a try and support this local community asset!

Carolyn Kulog

Baker City

Board member, Baker Food Co-op