Sierra Vista Food Co‑op tells listeners how member ownership and discounts support local food access

Monica, board president of the Sierra Vista Food Co‑op, told KWCD listeners the store is a member‑owned grocery focused on local, organic and specialty products.

“Anybody can come and buy… but if you want to support this fantastic store, become a member,” Monica said, describing membership as ownership: a $200 share (or $50 per quarter) secures member benefits such as special‑order discounts and recurring promotions. She said members receive 10% off wellness and supplement items on Wellness Wednesday, a 10% senior discount on the first Tuesday of the month and a 10% military/first‑responder discount on a designated weekend (the station noted the co‑op moved the military appreciation weekend owing to Independence Day).

Monica said the co‑op is incorporated under a cooperative statute (noted as a 308 designation in the interview) and is organized as a nonprofit cooperative; she contrasted the structure with large chain membership stores and stressed local economic benefits, saying a larger share of each dollar spent locally stays in the community.

She described product selection—produce, grains, non‑dairy cheeses and specialty items for restricted diets—and said the co‑op uses a single distributor for many items, which can limit availability of some products; members can place special orders and receive a 20% discount on case purchases. Monica gave the store address as 96 S. Carmichael on the West End, adjacent to 143 Street Tacos, and encouraged listeners to shop locally and consider membership to support the business.

The interview emphasized community and access rather than new government policy or funding. No municipal action or regulatory change was announced during the segment.