FERTILE GROUND FOOD COOPERATIVE
OUR CONCEPT
Fertile Ground Food Cooperative (FGFC) is a SE Raleigh-based multi-stakeholder cooperative that
highlights the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, helps create pathways to living-wage jobs, increases
access to healthy/affordable food, and fosters collective ownership.
WHO WE ARE
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We are a group of residents, leaders and visionaries seeking to establish a multi-stakeholder
cooperative that increases access to healthy/affordable food and serves as a community/cultural
center in Southeast Raleigh.
This will be a triple-bottom line enterprise that values the well-being of the community and the
planet as much as it values profit.
We envision FGFC becoming an intergenerational hub for residents to build an alternative
economy and foster personal and collective assets. In addition to increasing access to healthconscious affordable food options, this cooperative will host educational programs and cultural
events as a vehicle for building customer and membership base.
Residents of Southeast Raleigh and surrounding areas will be proud to patronize a locally and
collectively owned enterprise that is contributing to the health and well-being of their community.
Southeast Raleigh’s youth will have a hip and conscious gathering space. Not only will they
feel welcomed in this inviting space, they are integral part of it.
This community-led endeavor will be a model for cooperatives in our state and will be a strong
partner within the broader food justice/social justice movements.
WHY THIS, WHY NOW?
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This idea was developed in response to the layers of neglect and disenfranchisement that we have
witnessed as residents of the SER community.
We strive to make SER a place where community-based food systems provide a sustainable
alternative to the more industrial distribution systems that do not prioritize community needs as a
whole.
We represent a large number of residents that are hungry for a community gathering space that
feeds the body, intellect and spirit within a vibrant setting.
We seek to create this space to spur economic development, strengthen community relationships
and increase cultural awareness.
WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE:
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Location: Southeast Raleigh
Cooperative structure
Community gathering space
Increases access to fresh, healthy and affordable food
Triple bottom line project (values well-being of people and planet as much as profit)
Majority people of color led
The majority of the leadership should live in Southeast Raleigh
Serves as an alternative job creation strategy
Function from an anti-oppression lens: we honor the gifts, talents and humanity of all people.
SPECIFIC PRODUCTS AND PROGRAMS:
In addition to increasing access to health-conscious affordable food options for the SER community, this
cooperative will host educational programs and cultural events as a vehicle for building the customer and
membership base. Building on the great work that has already been done to create holistic spaces in SER,
this endeavor will compliment existing organizations and programs. A member-elected Board of Directors
will be in charge of setting the vision, strategy and oversight of the management team. Member-owners will
run the daily operations as well as develop and lead programs. Educational programs will focus on
understanding cooperatives, community issues, food justice, and economic justice. Cultural programs will
feature spoken word, visual artists, film and local musical performances. Residents will be proud to
patronize a locally and collectively owned enterprise that is contributing to the health and well-being of their
community. SER’s young adults will have a hip and conscious gathering space. Not only will they feel
welcomed in this inviting space, they are integral part of it.
7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all
people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without
gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their
members—those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative—who actively
participate in setting policies and making decisions.
3. Members' Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically
control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business
they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations
controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or
raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic
control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for
members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute
effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public
about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and
strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional
and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the
sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the
members.
HOW TO REACH US:
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Join us on Facebook: Fertile Ground-Southeast Raleigh Cooperative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373509996082093/
Via Telephone: 919-609-1237 or 919-724-0111