People’s Food Cooperative was forged from the fire of protest. In 1969, a group of individuals formed the SE Food Conspiracy, a buying club to pool their resources to purchase organic and unprocessed foods that could not be found in the local grocery stores. As its name implies, the group viewed itself as conspiring against the industrialization of the food system in the country. In 1970, the SE Food Conspiracy moved into a storefront and opened its doors as the People’s Food Store. Over the years, People’s has continued to take a stand on issues that matter to us as a cooperatively owned, community based grocery store. Our mottos have included “Feeding the Revolution since 1970” and “Food for People, Not for Profit.” It is in line with that history that People’s Board of Directors approved the following statement of support for our immigrant community:
English Statement:
People's Ends statement provides that we strive to create and support "A passionate community working together for sustainable, progressive land and animal stewardship, human rights, social and economic justice." To do so, we seek to foster "A safe and welcoming community where all are valued." In furtherance of our Ends and as a progressive, community focused, cooperatively owned business, we stand in solidarity with the immigrant community. Not only do they bring diversity to our community but they are integral to every aspect of our society. Our food system simply cannot function without the contributions of immigrants as producers, sellers and consumers of food. Every person, no matter their language or country of origin, deserves to live and thrive in a welcoming community. Therefore, we stand by our neighbors, coworkers, and friends who have immigrated to our country and our community.
Spanish Translation:
La declaración ‘Ends’ [visión] de People’s Food Co-op nos guía a intentar crear y apoyar “Una comunidad apasionada trabajando juntos por un cuidado sustentable y progresista de la tierra y los animales, los derechos humanos, a la justicia social y económica”. Para lograrlo, buscamos promover “Una comunidad segura y acogedora donde se valora a todos.” Para fomentar nuestros ‘Ends’ y como una cooperativa progresista y enfocada en la comunidad, estamos en solidaridad con los inmigrantes. No solamente proporcionan diversidad a nuestra comunidad, sino que son fundamentales a todo aspecto de nuestra sociedad. Nuestro sistema de alimentación simplemente no puede funcionar sin las contribuciones de los inmigrantes, quienes son productores, vendedores y consumidores de la comida. Toda persona, sin importar, su idioma o país de origen, merece vivir y florecer en una comunidad acogedora. Por ende, nosotros estamos con nuestros vecinos, colegas, y amigos quienes han emigrado a nuestro país y nuestra comunidad.
