A group of volunteers is moving ahead with its vision to form a local community food co-op. The next meeting takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Hot Spot, 4750 Golf Ave. next to Redbud Park in Clearlake.
Approximately 50 people attended the first meeting, which was held in the beginning of January. The purpose, outlined by organizer JoAnn Saccato, was to determine what the community wants and needs and what the community can sustain. After an hour of brainstorming, the group consolidated and prioritized goals. As summarized in a follow-up press release by publicist Lorna Sides, the group”s immediate priorities include:
* Local Resource Guide of producers and services;
* Organic Community Gardens;
* Buyers Club as a stepping stone to a Retail Co-op;
* Organic gardening education opportunities; and
* Farmer”s Market in Clearlake.
“All of these are tied to a commitment to support local organic farmers/producers whenever possible and to be available to as many people in community as possible,” Sides added.
Saturday”s meeting is open to the public and anyone interested in joining this group or hearing more about what it is doing is welcome to attend.
The agenda will include discussion about a name and vision statement for the community co-operative. Allen Markowski will give a brief instructional presentation on navigating Wiki spaces. For more information, see the group”s Wiki space at https://clearlakecommunityco-operative.wikispaces.com/.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
