Co-opts: a Win-Win For Everyone

 Co-opts: a Win-Win For Everyone

Now that you know about my pledge with Meatless Mondays, I’ll let you in on some of the meetings that led up to my decision to change the way I eat.

Last week was a very busy week for Oxfam New Mexico. We were lucky enough to welcome Brian Rawson, a Senior Organizer from our headquarters. He gave us tons of great advice, and also helped set up meetings with local groups interested in collaborating. I should have brought a tape recorder to memorize his opening words about what Oxfam does and what it means to the world, since it was so eloquently worded. 

We met first with La Montanita Co-opt, at their warehouse. It was impressive—a great place to see how everything works. The Co-opt also has six other locations, including three more in Albuquerque, one Santa Fe and another in Gallup. I learned they carry products from over 900 local producers, and you don’t need to be a member to shop there. Want to check out this week’s specials?

But it’s so much more than tasty local food. They have a microloan program for farmers and grassroots investing in the local food system. They’re training veterans to farm, partnering with UNM on a sustainability practicum and providing stability to farmers through the food-shed project. Within 300 miles of Albuquerque, the Co-opt provides storage, trucking services, and help with post-harvest handling and packing.

 
 Just like Oxfam Action Corps, La Montanita is educating the community about how to create a safe, secure food system. We are completely on board with their efforts to educate consumers about the “importance of fair prices and just treatment of people and animals through the food production, distribution, and consumption process.” 

So, whether you're an avid Growers Market fan, or you can’t name a single local product besides green chile, it’s worth your time to visit the co-opt. 

By Jasmine McBeath