Grocery stores owned by their customers are nothing new. They’ve been around in a lasting and meaningful way for the better part of the past century – and yet, very little has been written about them – particularly in book form. In a new book from author Jon Steinman of Deconstructing Dinner, the role of consumer food co-ops is examined through an eye-opening account of the history of grocery retailing in America, the rise of chain grocers and the impact these grocery giants have had on the entire food system from farm to plate.
To launch Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants, Steinman is embarking on an extensive tour across the U.S. and Canada throughout 2019 with visits to upwards of 150 food co-ops from coast to coast. Members and customers of food co-ops will have the opportunity to meet Steinman inside the stores, purchase a signed copy, and attend presentations, book readings and discussions.
“I couldn’t imagine any other way to launch this book,” says Steinman of the ambitious book tour. “Grocery stores represent the most vital, and yet often forgotten link in the food system. This book was written to both remind and introduce eaters to the significant influence consumer-owned food cooperatives can have in reshaping global and local food systems and economies. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with food cooperators across the country.”
Author Jon SteinmanSteinman will be visiting existing co-ops with storefronts and those only just emerging. There are presently 230 food co-ops across the United States with more than 300 locations among them. Another 100 are in their start-up phase.
Grocery Story will be of particular interest to existing and soon-to-be members of food co-ops and to anyone passionate about expanding access to healthy, clean, local food in their communities. Foodmakers of all sizes are also encouraged to attend events. Steinman devotes considerable attention in the book to the challenges and opportunities smaller-scale foodmakers encounter when working within the dominant food system channels.
As part of his tour, Steinman will be visiting Good Foods Co-op on Friday, June 21st. He’ll be signing books from 10 am – 4:30 pm followed by a presentation and Q&A starting at 5:30 in the Community Room. For more information on the book and the tour visit www.grocerystory.coop.
If you’d like to join other members of the Co-op community to read and discuss this book, please email Shelby Isert at shelbyisert@gmail.com.
