North Country Co-op fighting for survival

The only worker-managed food co-op in Minneapolis needs your help. North Country Co-op, located on the West Bank at 1929 South 5th Street, has until early July to raise money to purchase the building they now rent.

Founded in 1971, North Country Co-op is the Twin Cities’ oldest cooperative grocery store. Working members, who work weekly shifts at the co-op and receive a discount, elect the co-op’s board and take part in decision-making. The co-op has also taken part in anti-war and progressive community movements.

“...if they buy their building, I think they’ll have a new lease on life,” punned Sam Adams, a local musician who often performs at North Country. “They are a great community institution that’s been around since before I was.”

North Country’s current landlord had already planned to sell the building to another owner when North Country’s board notified him that the co-op’s lease gave them the first option to buy. Although the co-op is not threatened with closure if it is unable to buy the building, board member April Alfuth says that rising property values in the area suggest that North Country may face higher rents in the future. According to Alfuth, recent growth of the community around North Country makes this a good time to buy. “If we do not buy the building,” says Alfuth, “we don’t know when the next chance will be.”

North Country will be holding fund-raisers through June, including a benefit party at 3224 17th Avenue South starting at 6:30 p.m. on June 14. The co-op is also accepting donations. Alfuth encourages people to call North Country for further information about fund-raising. “It’s not going to be an easy thing,” she says, “...but we should take our option.”