Utahns forming a grocery cooperative

 (Salt Lake Tribune) Nearly 40 members have signed up to be owners of a cooperative grocery store in Salt Lake City, with an opening-date target of fewer than two years.

The co-op will focus on selling organic, sustainable and locally produced foods, said Alison Einerson, a member of the Wasatch Cooperative Market. Owner-members of the for-profit group are to receive annual refunds based on store profits and the amount of food they purchase.

A marketing and feasibility study is planned to determine the co-op's location. Areas being considered in Salt Lake City include downtown, the Avenues, Sugar House and the University of Utah neighborhood.

The cost to become an owner member is $300. Einerson said additional charges are unlikely.

House parties are planned to help members and those interested in participating to become acquainted.

The co-op will operate under principles such as voluntary and open membership, democratic member control and concern for community.

Although more than 500 grocery co-ops operate in the United States, the Wasatch group is Utah's first grocery co-op in recent memory. "Co-ops have always been leaders in supporting local producers and creating those connections for shoppers," said Kelly Smith, spokeswoman for the National Cooperative Grocers Association, which represents the larger co-ops. "You can walk into any co-op during growing season and probably stand a decent chance of meeting a local farmer.

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