CAMPUS AND AREA
University Daily Kansan, October 5, 1984
Store
continued from p. 1
Page 6
The co-op was started in 1974 when members of local produce and dairy buying clubs bought out the old Mercantile Grocery, a health food store at 730 Massachusetts St.
In 1975, the co-op moved to 615 Massachusetts St. but stayed only three years, when co-op members settled at the co-op's present location.
About 1,400 Lawrence-area residents are members of the co-op, Gwaltney said. Members pay a one-time $10 fee, which makes them part owners of the store, and can work at the co-op to receive discounts on purchases.
"But anyone can shop here," Gwaltney said.
THE CO-OP IS open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Today, the co-op takes in more than $300,000 in gross sales, she said. But 10 years ago, it was just a small group of people.
"When we first started, we required all members to work at the store because we didn't have the extra funds to pay employees," she said. "We learned that if you want good food that supports the local producer and is also nutritious, you're going to have to pay for it."
Realizing that the co-op needed more buying power, members helped organize the New Destiny Federation in Fayetteville, Ark., in 1977. The Federation, comprising co-ops and buying clubs in six Midwestern states, owns a warehouse in which large quantities of dry goods and produce can be stored
By ordering goods in bulk quantities, the toop can keep prices down. Gwainfell said, "The bulk price is a good way."
40-pound slabs of cheese into smaller slices;
stock clear plastic bins with beans, rice,
barley and black-eyed peas; and unpack
these in a resealable bag to affix a
community Mercantile price tag.
Gwalney pointed to a refrigerator case stocked with eggs, yogurt and mineral water.
"The gives you an idea of the full spectral of the foods we have at the co-op," she said. "The eggs come from a farm in Overbrook, California, and serve on semis from Cottonwood and Colorado."
But although the co-op purchases some of its stock from outside suppliers, Gwalton stressed that local producers supply most of the co-op's goods.
"I think we put more money back into the local economy than most groceries," she said. "We enjoy working with local producers and supporting our concerns and those of the community."
CO-OP WORKER ANNE Underview, who sat on the floor unpacking several boxes of dried apples, fings and pineapples, also said she liked the community spirit of the co-op.
"It's a real special place." Underwood said "There's so much you can learn here about the wholefood industry — about health, balanced diet, the way that food affects you in your everyday life."
Underdow said she first began shopping at the co-op about four years ago on the advice of some friends. She started working for the store this year.
Underwood said she shuddered to think of the days when she packed her system with junk food and preservatives.
"I don't touch that stuff anymore," she said. "After a while, this store becomes a well-known shop."
Valerie Kelly, Route 1, stocks herbs and spices at the Com- celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, carries more than nunity Mercantile Co-op, 700 Maine St. The store, which 170 different herbs and spices.
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