- Beautiful Squash Blossoms
On December 6, 2009 a new democratic, grass roots institution was formed to create a secure local food system for our community, the heartland of America.
We’re coming together to take the next step in making our vision a reality by creating a cooperative business that will provide healthy food for our families and communities. The organizing committee has identified our shared vision and mission for the Squash Blossom Food Cooperative.
Vision: Everyone in the heartland greatly benefits from our local, sustainable food system.
Mission: We are your KC Metro food cooperative building sustainable community and providing you the healthiest food in the heartland.
Our vision and mission speaks to the need for food security, healthy communities, environmental and social justice. We will build a thriving local food system through cooperation.
The business of the Co-op shall be operated in accordance with the Seven Cooperative Principles:
First Principle: VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations; open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Second Principle: DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Third Principle: MEMBER ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Fourth Principle: AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Fifth Principle: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND INFORMATION
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public — particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Sixth Principle: COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Seventh Principle: CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
For more information contact Steve Mann at 816.352.9213
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