Alan Schreiber of Eltopia and Ginger Wireman of Richland first met around 2006 at the Pasco Farmers’ Market, where Schreiber sells what Wireman calls “the best lettuce blends” as well as dozens of other types of produce.
Despite sometimes opposing political views, the two built a friendship based on their love of arguing and their passion for strong, local food systems. Some years later, while hanging out on a summer evening, Schreiber said, “We should start a food co-op.”
“I agree," said Wireman.
Schreiber grabbed a pen and paper, and they proceeded to list their vision with the following priorities:
- Be good to the planet
- Eat healthy
- Local first (keep money local)
What’s a Cooperative?
The cooperative business model was created by mill workers in Scotland in the 1800s to get away from the high price of sugar and flour at the company stores. By purchasing goods together and getting rid of the middleman, the members were able to keep prices low. Tri-Citizens may be familiar with the Moscow Food Co-op in Idaho, or Puget Consumer Co-op in the Seattle area.
In December of 2022, Schrieber and Wireman’s idea finally came to life. Schreiber and his partner Liesl Zappler hosted a public meeting to gauge interest. After several more public meetings, an interim board was formed, and they began selling memberships. The Tri-Cities Food Co-op was born.
The group initially hoped to open in the fall of 2023, but when a loan guarantor stepped aside, things took longer than expected.
On October 30, 2024, Tri-Cities Food Co-op opened its doors at 1420 Jadwin Avenue in Richland. They started by selling organic produce. Locally sourced offerings included apples, squash, root veggies, and a few other late-season items. They have slowly added packaged favorites (like Annie's Mac & Cheese) and increased selections as finances allow.
“It takes about $350K to fully stock a grocery store the first time,” Shreiber said. A selection of PNW beer and wine along with local milk and farm fresh, free-range eggs from Kaholotus were added at the end of February. “When many of the major stores have no — or extremely expensive — eggs due to bird flu, it [is] really cool to support a local farmer,” shared store manager Jessica McPeak. A coffee bar inside the co-op serving Conversatio Coffee from Othello, Washington also opened in mid-March.
In addition to following common Cooperative Principles, the Tri-Cities Food Co-op wants to serve eastern Washington and Oregon growers who are currently shipping their products to the west side of their states. They prioritize local, organic, and ethically produced products from the PNW. The packaged food and personal care items they stock are organic and ethically sourced. While winter produce for most grocery stores is shipped from Mexico, the Tri-Cities Food Co-op is currently offering products from seventy-five local farms and specialty food producers.
Once they’re built out, the Tri-Cities Food Co-Op will include a full-service deli with grab-n-go meals. Their community space will offer an array of activities from art events to cooking classes.
While you don’t need to be a member to shop, members will get various perks and sale prices. Regular memberships are one-time payments of $100, which drops to $50 for seniors, veterans, and college students.
Co-op members recently elected a board to take the organization into its next phase. The Tri-Cities Co-op is seeking community members and businesses who would like to purchase supporting shares or naming rights. Please inquire online at tcfcoop.org or in-store for more information.
The Seven Cooperative Principles
The Seven Cooperative Principles guide cooperative businesses all over the world. Learn more about the shared values and these seven principles at the International Cooperative Association website.
The seven principles are:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community
Ginger Wireman likes big leafy salads and hates lettuce that's traveled 1,500 miles!
