Just Food Co-op Celebrates International Year of Cooperatives with Video Premiere

The United Nations (UN) has declared 2012 the "International Year of Cooperatives," and Just Food Co-op is joining other cooperatives locally, nationwide and across the globe in marking the occasion.

Titled, "Cooperatives in Social Development," UN's resolution recognizes the diversity of the cooperative movement around the world, and the economic and social contributions cooperatives make. This includes the many co-ops in the Northfield area.

Just Food Co-op is kicking off the year of celebration with a starring role in the premiere of “Lights, Cameras, Co-ops.” Kevin Gillespie, celebrity chef from the Woodfire Grill in Atlanta and sixth season Top Chef finalist, has been traveling around the country with a film crew, exploring farm fields and co-op grocery aisles as part of this year’s celebration of the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives. On Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 7 p.m., grab your favorite movie snacks and visit www.strongertogether.coop/premiere to take part in an online streaming "premiere party" featuring the first three videos in the thirteen-episode series featuring co-ops from Vermont to California.

Just Food Co-op is proud to be one of three Minnesota co-ops featured in the premiere, which highlights the Co-op’s relationship with local farmers like Rae and Leo Rusnak of L&R Poultry & Produce.

Just Food will also be holding a premiere party on Saturday in the Community Room at 516 Water Street in Northfield. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., and the 15 minute video will be streamed beginning at 7 p.m. Seat reservations should be made at justfood.coop/events. Following the premiere, new videos will be released online every other Monday from February 6th through mid-June at www.strongertogether.coop.

“The United Nations’ declaration provides a platform and momentum for co-ops to tell their stories on a local and global level,” said Robynn Shrader, chief executive officer for the National Cooperative Grocers Association. “The International Year of Cooperatives calls attention to the transformational role co-ops play in our economy and our lives.”

For more information about the International Year of Cooperatives and the important role cooperative businesses play in communities globally, visit www.2012.coop.

About Just Food Co-op

Just Food Co-op is owned equally by over 2,200 households in Northfield and its surrounding communities. We provide local, fair trade, organic and natural food and wellness choices. Everyone is welcome to shop at Just Food Co-op. More information can be found atjustfood.coop.