History

North Country Co-op is the Twin Cities’ longest-lasting of the “new wave” co-ops, born out of the peace and natural food movements in the 1960’s and 70’s. Then, as now, many people had lost trust in the big food corporations due to their use of dangerous additives and chemical fertilizers and the driving out of business of Ma-and-Pa groceries. This led people to come together to cooperatively supply themselves with healthy, Earth-friendly food. After existing informally as The People’s Pantry on a porch and in a clinic waiting room, NCC opened its doors in April of 1971 to amazing popularity. This example of what co-ops could be led to the founding of many other cooperative businesses all over the Twin Cities. Through the fluctuations of taste and economics, NCC has survived to bring people good food and bring them together to make their lives richer.

In the new millennium, more people than ever are looking for food they can trust and ways of doing business they can believe in. NCC welcomes everyone to shop, join and participate in this exciting and important work.

Ethics

North Country Co-op wasn’t started to make money. It was started by people who wanted to change the world for themselves right here on the West Bank. They set out to start a co-op that would treat its workers, its shoppers, its community and the Earth in an ethical way they could all be proud of. This tradition continues to this day.

Health

North Country carries everything you need for healthy eating, plus a wide variety of supplements to give your body extra protection. We offer many organic options, hormone-free milk and meat, vegetarian cuisine as well as food for special diets.

Diversity

North Country is proud to be the community store of the West Bank, both in the food we offer and who is involved in the co-op. We offer a wide variety of East African favorites.

Equality

There are only two wage levels for North Country workers, one for full-timers and one for part-timers, with an additional bonus for workers who are parents. We believe that we’re all in this together and everyone should benefit from our collective work.

Participation

North Country is one of the few grocery co-ops to retain a volunteer program. This means that members can opt to become a volunteer worker and receive a deeper discount on most items in the store. It’s a great way to save money on great food and meet new people at the same time.

Democracy

North Country is governed by a Board of Directors made up of elected representatives of the membership and the workers. The membership meets at least once a year to elect the Board and make other decisions on the basis of one member, one vote. The people who shop and work at the store make the decisions, not distant investors.

Community

North Country makes every effort to support local small business and family farmers. The co-op emerged from the West Bank community, the peace movement and the whole foods movement, and we act to continue to be an active member of these communities.

In addition, the workers and members of North Country are themselves a community. Through shopping, volunteering and working at North Country, many people have met and forged lasting relationships. In addition to our work in the store, we also throw parties and concerts to have fun together.

Cooperative Principles

Like all cooperatives, North Country abides by the Cooperative Principles, instituted by the first formal co-op in Rochdale, England in 1884:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives
7. Concern for Community