Why does the Co-op sell Cheerios and conventionally-grown produce?
The Co-op’s first three goals, as listed in our bylaws, are: • To provide nutritious, wholesome food to the Madison community, concentrating on the east side, at fair prices—that is, as low as possible without sacrificing the Co-op’s other goals; • To provide other goods and services which are consistent with this primary activity; so that the needs of owners and customers may be better served, and • To operate Willy Street Co-operative on a sound financial basis for the long-term benefit of owners and the community. We exist to serve our owners—all 14,000+ of them. Mostly, owners want to buy natural and organic foods at the Co-op; but we also serve the neighborhood and want to attract new owners from this diverse area. If people can find products they are used to and feel they can afford to buy them at our store, they are more likely to feel welcome.
