BELFAST — The Belfast Community Co-op will host a free event featuring author, speaker and local food system advocate John Steinman on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library.
“This engaging gathering provides a valuable opportunity for local residents to explore the principles of sustainable living and strengthen connections with their local food networks,” Belfast Area Co-op said in a news release.
This event is free to all community members.
Supply chain disruption. food inflation. In recent years, grocery stores have taken center stage.
“Many of us have come to realize how important these institutions are, including their impact on human health, the planet and the future of food,” the release states. “Enter the community-owned grocery store. With a more durable and transparent model of grocery store ownership and governance, food co-ops are designed for these times.”
Canadian author Jon Steinman shares his insights on the future of grocery stores and the food supply chain, and tells the story of the inspiring food co-op renaissance currently happening across the country.
“Expect a provocative and inspiring experience,” the release reads.
The talk will be followed by a community dialogue about the future of food cooperatives, in which Steinman will introduce and facilitate “Cooperative Dialogues,” an approach to group communication he developed for cooperatives.
Jon Steinman is the author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Coops in the Age of Grocery Giants (New Society Publishers). Steinman has visited over 160 food co-ops in the United States and Canada. In partnership with the Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), Jon published This Could Be Ours, a photo album that inspires the food co-op dream, and is the publisher of the Food Co-op Finder mobile app. Steinman regularly delivers educational sessions to food co-op boards and staff, and is a frequent keynote speaker at food co-op annual meetings. Prior to writing his book, Steinman was the director and president-elect of the Kootenay Co-op of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada's largest specialty natural foods food co-op, and the author of the radio series, podcast, and television show “Deconstructed Dinner.”
“We are honored to welcome John Steinman to Belfast Community Corps for what promises to be an enlightening and powerful event,” said Alessandra Martinelli, Outreach Coordinator for Belfast Community Corps. “John's expertise and passion for promoting sustainable food systems aligns closely with our mission to build resilience and community empowerment. We look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue and exploring actionable strategies to build a more sustainable future together.”
For more information, visit www.belfast.coop/jon-steinman
Located in the heart of downtown, Belfast Community Co-op is a full-service market serving the area since 1976. Anyone can shop at the Co-op. It is our mission and joy to bring you locally sourced, affordable, organic and natural products. Find us at 123 High Street, in the heart of Downtown Belfast. Open daily. Please call us at 207-338-2532. You can also find out more online at www.belfast.coop.
