Tell it! One-on-One

Conversation Starters

Another way to Tell it! is in a one-on-one conversation! If you'd like to tell a group of people - consider a virtual in person Zoom party! We can help you set it up and make a guest appearance to give a quick presentation and answer questions.

Here are two simple steps to prepare your message:

Fill in the blank: My co-op is ____ because
Write 3 ending statements

My co-op is ____
because A: ____
because B: ____
because C: ____

Example: My co-op is the real change we need

because it supports local farmers!
because it supports local farmers and is owned by the community!
because it supports local farmers, is owned by the community, and will provide the foundation for local resilience initiatives!

Do you need some ideas for introducing a friend to details about Food Shed Co-op? Here are some suggestions to help you Tell it! one on one in casual, "coffee shop" conversations.

Is your friend a big supporter of ‘Buy Local’? It doesn’t get any more ‘local’ than a food co-op. Area farmers are given preference when buying produce; profits stay in the community as patronage and outreach; co-ops typically donate more to local services than conventional stores.
Does your friend shop Farmers’ Markets or belong to a CSA? Co-ops support these farmers, help them earn more and ramp up production. The quality food they purchase directly from farmers at markets and through CSAs can be available year-round, every day of the week!
Did your friend move here from another community that had a cooperative grocery? If someone is already familiar with how awesome a food co-op can be, they are usually eager to hear we’re opening one here.
Does your friend support initiatives such as Living Wage? Cooperatives pay an average of $1 more per hour than conventional stores, and more employees qualify for benefits, too.
Does your friend ever complain it’s hard to find quality produce at our local stores? Food Shed Co-op can fix that problem!!
Does your friend value healthy eating and cooking? So does Food Shed Co-op! Healthy food choices, clear labeling and information regarding what is in the food, recipes available throughout the store and community cooking classes are all things they can find at a food co-op.
Is your friend ‘a foodie’ who appreciates the better flavors of fresh, quality food? Fresh food tastes better and maintains more nutrients. Since we will focus on food that doesn’t spend weeks being transported to the store, ‘foodies’ will love shopping at Food Shed Co-op.
Is your friend interested in sustainability issues? Organic and sustainable farming practices will be a focus at Food Shed Co-op. Shorter transportation distances reduce pollution. The preservation of our food infrastructure is the most truly ‘sustainable’ thing we can do!
Does your friend have any dietary restrictions (such as gluten, dairy, etc.)? Specialty food items and clear labeling with regards to allergens will be a key benefit.
Does your friend have kids who require a special diet to help with medical conditions, allergies, ADHD, etc.? Seeking out special foods and recipes can be challenging. Food Shed Co-op’s grocery selection and clear labeling can help them get all these things in one place.
Does your friend enjoy being active in community initiatives? They should LOVE this one, then. Not only will Food Shed Co-op contribute to the economic strength of our community, but the ‘cooperative community’ is also a vibrant group of people to join!
Does your friend frequently post articles about organic farming or sustainable food issues? Many of our current Owners cite the desire to support organic farmers as a reason they’ve joined. Food Shed Co-op will raise awareness and demand for sustainably grown food throughout our area, and producers will step up to meet that demand.
Is your friend involved in working with underprivileged or low income families? Food Shed Co-op plans to have an accessibility program program to help low-income families purchase fresh food AND learn how to prepare it. Owners will have input to determine outreach initiatives, which can include any number of programs designed to assist underprivileged families.
Does your friend use terms like ‘food justice’, or ‘food deserts’? Then it sounds like they’re already pretty well-versed on issues that are also important to many Food Shed Co-op Owners. Becoming an Owner helps us open the store sooner, which benefits everyone in the community.

Elevator Speech

Try this quick exercise and kickstart the telling of your unique, compelling Food Shed Co-op story.

Step 1: Fill in the blank: My co-op is ____ because

Step 2: Write 3 ending statements: My co-op is ____ because A, because B, because C

Step 3: Tell it! by sharing your speech at every opportunity.

Here are two examples,

My co-op is visionary because we believe there can be a better tomorrow.

My co-op is visionary because we believe that we have the power to start big things

My co-op is visionary because we can see a reality where sustainable, local and healthy food choices are easily accessible, all year long, in our community.

My co-op is the real change we need because it supports local farmers!
My co-op is the real change we need because it supports local farmers and is owned by the community!
My co-op is the real change we need because it supports local farmers, is owned by the community and will provide the foundation for local resilience initiatives!