Waseca Chamber Ambassadors Welcome Steering Committee for a Waseca Food Cooperative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Waseca Chamber Ambassadors Welcome Steering Committee for a Waseca Food Cooperative
WASECA, MN — The Waseca Chamber Ambassadors recently welcomed their newest member, the Steering Committee for a Waseca Food Cooperative, a community-driven effort to bring a locally owned grocery cooperative to Waseca County.

The Waseca Food Cooperative is guided by a powerful vision centered on community connections, supporting local farmers and producers, promoting healthy options and food security, and empowering members through democratic governance.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can gather, connect, and build community through food,” said Jim Boreboom a member of the Steering Committee. “We want to strengthen our local food system by providing direct access to locally grown and produced goods while offering educational opportunities for all ages.”

Katie Gonzales, Waseca Chamber Ambassador Chair, shared her enthusiasm for the new initiative:
“The Waseca Food Cooperative represents exactly the kind of community-focused vision we love to celebrate,” Gonzales said. “It’s inspiring to see local residents come together to strengthen access to healthy food, support area farmers, and create a space that brings people together.”

Mikhail Rostislavovich, President of the Waseca Chamber Board of Directors, added:
“This initiative aligns beautifully with Waseca’s spirit of collaboration and innovation,” Rostislavovich said. “The cooperative model not only invests in local agriculture but also empowers our residents to take part in shaping the future of our local food economy.”

The proposed co-op will feature local and organic produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, local dairy products, whole foods, and locally raised poultry and meats. It will also include a teaching kitchen, seasonal workshops, and a community apothecary section celebrating local food traditions. The co-op will accept SNAP/LINK benefits, ensuring access to nutritious food for all income levels.

Initial planning for the cooperative is supported by a $25,000 grant from the Trust for Civic Life, a national grantmaking collaborative that supports community-led initiatives helping Americans connect and solve problems together. The grant, fiscally sponsored by the Region Nine Development Commission, will fund community engagement, technical assistance, and planning for the co-op’s next steps.

Community members are invited to get involved, share ideas, or learn about volunteer opportunities by visiting https://tinyurl.com/WasecaCoop.