Nicholas Donaldson
The Cloverbelt local food co-op still is looking to expand into Emo and Fort Frances, president Jen Springett says.
It is based out of Dryden and currently has pick-up locations in Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Ignace, and Upsala.
The website says to “think of it like a farmers’ market but online!”
Members log in every week to choose from the many products listed on the website and add them to their online “basket.”
There is no checkout, however. Whatever is in your basket at 10 a.m. on Monday is in your order.
Participating producers then check what was ordered from them and bring those products to Dryden, where they are sorted by volunteers and sent to the pick-up locations.
Customers then pick up their orders on the Tuesday afternoon/evening.
Payment for each order is made either by cheque or online.
Information about the co-op, and a list of products, can be found at www.cloverbeltlocalfoodcoop.com
There already are a few producers locally who sell their products this way.
Springett said getting producers involved is not hard, noting many are looking for an alternative market following the closure of the Clover Valley Farmers’ Market here.
She has met with area producers to explain how the co-op works and how they can get involved.
“There is a lot of interest from producers,” Springett noted.
One of the problems, however, has been the inability to hire a co-ordinator.
Springett said they wanted to hire a co-ordinator to organize producers and pick-up locations. But without funding from FedNor, it’s just not feasible.
“It is disappointing but it is out of our control,” she remarked.
The next step is getting the consumers to understand what the co-op is and how it works.
“We need to gauge consumer interest,” Springett stressed, adding only a few members from this area have signed up so far.
The commitment from consumers is vital to an expansion here. With consumer commitment, plans for transportation and a pick-up location can be set.
Springett noted Emo Feeds may be a location for pick-up.
She also has been talking with the owners of From the Grind Up as a possible location in Fort Frances.
Both have expressed interest in being a local food hub.
Springett cited the benefits for the artisanal chicken program some local farmers are working with.
It allows small, independent farmers to grow chickens for local commercial markets and restaurants.
Having this food co-op would be an opportunity for farmers to market the chickens locally and may result in more interest in the program.
Springett also said an expansion here “will benefit the abattoir, local producers, and local food.”
What they need now, however, is more commitment from consumers, she stressed.
Springett said Cloverbelt wants to know that an expansion here has interest and won’t be a burden on customers in Dryden.
