Collective Action has Big Impact

Dustin Skelley, Board of Directors

The Viroqua Food Co+op is so much more than a place to buy delicious food—it is a cornerstone of economic stability and growth for our entire community! Like all co-ops, the VFC is owned by the people who use its services. The principles that guide us foster collective action through a democratic process. At the VFC, the result of our collective action brings tangible economic benefits that extend far beyond the shelves of fresh produce and locally sourced goods. When you shop at the co-op, you bolster the local economy and ensure continued access to healthy food in our community. 

In places where grocery chains may be scarce or non-existent, co-ops like the VFC provide a reliable source of affordable, quality food while strengthening the local economy. Instead of sending profits to corporate centers, co-ops create a multiplier effect, where every dollar spent at the co-op generates additional economic activity. For example, the VFC prioritizes sourcing food from local farmers, artisans, and producers who, in turn, reinvest their earnings into other local businesses. This creates an ecosystem where dollars circulate repeatedly within the community, fostering an environment where smaller-scale businesses and individuals can succeed. The wealth generated by these transactions stays close to home, where it is most needed, helping our whole community thrive. 

Local, representative control is another key to the cooperative way of business. Co-ops are not beholden to corporate offices thousands of miles away, but rather to an owner-elected board of directors representing the membership. The board of directors' primary goal is to ensure the long-term stability of the cooperative. The co-op board considers how our policies and guidelines can be tailored to position our cooperative for future success. We balance the owner's needs with the business's health and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profit. Owner input is an integral part of our mission, and the board offers several avenues for co-op owners to contact their board representatives. Co-op owners can stop by a board event like the Welcome Summer Sampler on June 13th, attend our Annual Owners Meeting, a monthly co-op board meeting, or send us a message anytime at: viroquafood.coop/board-of-directors

In addition to planning for our cooperative's financial stability and long-term growth, the board is committed to ensuring that the VFC remains a vibrant cultural hub of our community. We periodically review our bylaws and mission statements and make strategic plans to lay the foundation for the business to thrive and continue to be a part of our Driftless community well into the future.