Co-operatives Fortnight

The first ever UK Co-operatives Fortnight is running from 19th June to 3rd July with the theme of “there is an alternative” and celebrates how co-operatives are a different way of doing business.

The first ever UK Co-operatives Fortnight is running from 19th June to 3rd July with the theme of “there is an alternative” and celebrates how co-operatives are a different way of doing business.

The campaign is held to promote co-operative working, where all involved jointly share in the benefits.

An example of how this is working well is through the Rural Regeneration Unit’s Community Food Co-operative Programme. Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, a food co-op is a simple system through which people can access affordable, quality fresh fruit, vegetables and salad on a weekly basis at a local community venue. All money taken goes directly to the supplier with no profit made by the food co-op.

Local Flintshire suppliers Huson Produce have been successfully supplying food co-ops in the area for 5 years and work from their 14 acre family farm in Hawarden. They supply the food co-op in Higher Shotton who will be holding a promotional event on 30th June to showcase the produce available.

Also launched during this fortnight is the new Friday morning food co-op at Mancot Village Hall which offered free fruit smoothies at their opening event. Managed by local volunteers who take the orders and sort the produce for customers, the event was supported by many members of the community and also by Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami.

For more information about food co-ops in North East Wales please contact the Rural Regenerations Food Development Worker Karen Robertson on 07879 611 670 or [email protected].