Can a Country buy another Country?
A co-op is an organization formed by people who come together for a shared advantage. Members submit their orders to the club coordinator, who places the group order. A co-op grocery store is collectively owned its members, and it can be open or closed, meaning it’s either open to the public or only members are allowed to shop there. Generally, anyone can become a member by paying a small fee. Food-related co-ops come in two different forms: co-operative grocery stores and food-buying clubs. The most common form of co-op is a food-buying club, which is a casual group of friends, neighbors and families who use their collective buying power to purchase food in bulk from different local food organizations.
If they aren’t sure, it’s probably not local. You can then make a point to support the business while you do your regular shopping. Not every local good is less expensive than its imported counterpart. If you know of a farm in your area, you can also check with someone who works there to see if they sell their products in chain grocery stores. Large corporations and overseas operations often produce their products on such a massive scale that they’re the same price or even cheaper than the goods made right in your town.
Eating in-season fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re buying local, as they’re most likely grown at a nearby farm. All it takes is a little research to find out which products are seasonably available in your area. Some farms in your community might even allow you to come and pick your own produce for a lower price than what you would pay at your grocery store or farmers market. Plus, in-season produce is much less expensive than out-of-season varieties, which are often shipped in from other states and even countries. This is a great way to have the freshest, most delicious foods in your home during any season.
They do this not only to support other small businesses in the community, but because it’s cheaper. As we mentioned earlier, it’s sometimes hard for local artisans to compete with large corporations and overseas businesses. For example, the local bakery down the street will likely buy their blueberries directly from a nearby farm because it’s easier and more cost-effective. Those savings are then passed onto you, the customer. However, you’re probably not going to see a huge difference in price between your local bakery (or any other small, community-based business) and a massive chain store.
