Local Food Co-ops to Merge

Local grocery cooperatives Menomonie Market Food Co-op and Just Local Food have announced their intention to merge. The combined stores are intended to be more competitive and to provide better products to the Chippewa Valley at a lower price. 

On July 20-21, 2021, MMFC and JLF boards of directors unanimously approved entering into a merger agreement which states that, pending approval of each cooperatives’ owners, the co-ops will unite into a single entity. In order for the Merger to take place, both ownerships must vote yes.

Co-op owners will be receiving a booklet in the mail with more information about the merger by the first week of August. Voting begins for active owners of both co-ops on Sunday, August 29th and ends Saturday, September 11th. A quorum of ten percent of each active ownership must vote in the election, and a two-thirds majority yes vote is required by each set of voting owners for the merger to pass. Visit mmfc.coop/merger to learn more.

“Normally, two boards would enter into a merger agreement like this, make an announcement, and then the merger proceeds. But co-ops are different, and I am so excited about this next phase of engaging our 4,500 owners across the Chippewa Valley to participate in this decision. That is democracy in action and is completely unique among businesses in the U.S.” says Crystal Halvorson, General Manager of MMFC and Interim General Manager of JLF.

Menomonie Market Food Co-op is a 47-seven-year-old community-owned cooperative, located at 814 Main Street, Menomonie, WI, 54751, whose mission is to be central in building a thriving and healthy community. The co-op offers full-service grocery and deli options with a focus on sourcing locally as often as possible and delivering friendly customer service to everyone. Their store hours are 7:00am-9:00pm daily, and orders can be placed online for curbside pickup anytime. More information can be found at mmfc.coop.

Just Local Food Co-op is a 17-year-old community-owned grocery cooperative whose mission is to connect people to their food, farmers, and producers, and strengthen our regional community, economy, and environment. The co-op offers grocery, deli, local foods, and knowledgeable, friendly service to everyone. JLF is located at 1117 S. Farwell Street, Eau Claire, WI. Store hours are 8:00am-8:00pm daily.

The article author currently serves as a board member at Menomonie Market Food Co-op.