In today’s grocery stores, food options prioritizing affordability and convenience over health and nutrition are abundant, but supporting local farmers and finding local food can offer better choices. However, a dedicated community in Atlanta, Georgia, refuses to compromise their well-being for low-nutrient, sugar-laden food options, choosing to support local farmers and buy fresh, buy local instead. These individuals have taken control of their food choices by shopping at Sevananda Natural Foods Market, a local grocery co-op.
As members of Sevananda, these individuals shop with confidence, knowing that their co-op understands their desire for nutritious, high-quality food. These individuals also have a say in the types of products available as, with their co-op membership, they can provide input and influence the selection of products offered within the store, helping to support local farmers.
Sevananda Natural Foods Market
A grocery co-op, also known as a food cooperative, is a type of retail store owned and controlled by its members, often featuring local produce, much like you’d find at a farmers market. Co-ops are typically focused on offering fresh, healthy food and natural products, and they often prioritize local and organic products, fair trade, and sustainable agriculture, supporting local farmers. Members of a grocery co-op usually pay an annual fee or purchase a membership share to join, and they then have a voice in the management and direction of the store, which is often sourced from local farms. In addition to providing access to healthy food, grocery co-ops can also serve as a gathering place for members to connect and build community, further supporting the local economy and local farmers.
Partnership with Local Farmers
Grocery co-ops like Sevananda care about getting fresh and delicious food for their members, often sourcing produce from local farmers markets. They buy from local farmers to help the environment and support local businesses. They also work to procure various foods and focus on building strong connections between local farmers and their members. By focusing on local food, their members get healthy options and help make a better food system, often supported by local food guides to find the best local produce.
Ponix Farms Join Sevananda
Shortly after meeting, the leaders at Sevananda and Ponix identified the relationship went far beyond just business – they found a connection over their common visions for creating healthier communities with access to fresh produce that wasn’t contaminated by pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
It quickly became clear that this partnership would benefit both companies and the entire community. Ponix began selling hydroponic lettuce, spring mix, and microgreens in Sevananda’s store.
Ponix extends Sevananda’s Access to Locally Sourced Food
The partnership between Ponix and Sevananda is more than a mutually beneficial business relationship. This partnership impacts the whole community, including the local economy, by promoting a more sustainable food system
Ponix is an Atlanta-based hydroponic farmer. Hydroponic farming provides a healthy alternative regarding both the food produced and the impact on the environment and can be combined with locally grown food to offer more options. The controlled environment of hydroponic systems allows for using organic inputs free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, resulting in cleaner and more nutritious produce, which can complement locally grown food options.
By growing crops locally, it is possible to access fresh produce with higher levels of nutrients than produce that has been transported over long distances, thus improving the local food supply. The benefit of enhanced nutrition is transforming the lives of the co-op members at Sevananda Natural Foods Market, who now have access to a more sustainable food supply.