Save the date and join us for a block party celebrating 50 years of Seward Co-op! We’re partnering with Open Streets Franklin Ave to bring music, food, and fun to Franklin Avenue between 25th and 26th Ave.

•$5 Community Meal featuring Seward Co-op-made meat and veg options

•Community Foods Fair- meet and sample treats from local producers

•Live music by Malamanya and Kashimana; plus DJs from Phillips-based local radio station KRSM

•Family friendly activities with our community partners and SEED recipients

•Live screenprinting- Screenprint your own reusuable co-op grocery bag! Bring your own tote bag to print on, or we’ll provide one to the first 75 people.

•Seward Co-op staff art fair

•Bounce house

•And more! See Eventbrite link below for more details.

This event is open to all! RSVP is not required, but if you register via the Eventbrite link below, we will send you a reminder email the day before the event.

Celebrate 50 Years of Seward Co-op!

Open Streets Franklin Ave 2022

As we celebrate 50 years of Seward Co-op, we reflect on our legacy and continued work supporting a thriving and resilient local food system. This year is the return of our in-person fair, held on Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Seward Co-op Creamery parking lot at 2601 E. Franklin Ave. If you can’t make it, browse our CSA Farm Guide for a virtual fair experience!

We’ll hear from farmers, producers and other community partners about Seward Co-op’s impact over the past decades. In person on April 23, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about local farms and speak directly with nearly 30 farmers to choose a CSA share that is right for you and your household. Enjoy treats, prizes, and an activity area with Midwest Food Connection for the kids as we celebrate and look to the future. Online, we will be featuring stories, videos and photos from local CSA farmers. The Virtual CSA Fair will take place on Seward Co-op’s website and social media the weeks leading up to April 23.

This event is open to all – RSVP is not required, but if you register via the Eventbrite link below, we will send you a reminder email the day before the event.

Participating farms:

Amador Hill Farm and Orchard (WEI)
Blackbrook Farm LLC
Blue Ox Farm
Burning River Farm
DragSmith Farms
Earth Dance Farm
Featherstone Farm
Foxtail Farm
Green Garden
HAFA
Johnson Family Pastures
Little Big Sky Farm
LTD Farm
Mhonpaj’s Garden
Moshky Farm
Naima’s Farm
Northwood Mushrooms
Open Arms of MN- Open Farms
Prairie Hollow
Racing Heart Farm
Shepherd’s Way
Sin Fronteras Farm & Food
Shared Ground Co-op’s Food For The People
StrongHeart Farms
Tangletown Garden Farm
TC Farm
Tuttie Fruitties
Yawelyahsi·yò· Farm

This event has been cancelled out of an abundance of caution in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. We look forward to celebrating with you later this year!

Join us for a virtual panel discussion of the original documentary film “The Co-op Wars” in celebration of Seward Co-op’s 50th Anniversary. “The Co-op Wars” tells the story of the idealistic youth who tried to build an alternative to corporate capitalism, the violent struggle that almost tore them apart, and their eventual success in ways they never foresaw.

You can access this exclusive link to view “The Co-op Wars” with a special introduction highlighting Seward Co-op’s role in this history. We encourage you to watch the film at your convenience any time before the Jan. 13 discussion event. https://watch.showandtell.film/watch/co-op-wars-seward-coop

On Thursday, Jan. 13, we will be joined by Erik Esse and Deacon Warner, producer and director of “The Co-op Wars.” We’ll also welcome early co-op movement leaders Lori Zuidema, Gary Cunningham and Leo Cashman.
Lori Zuidema began her career in co-ops as a volunteer cheese cutter at the newly-formed Seward Co-op in 1972. She was one of the original collective members of the Seward Café and worked at cooperative distributors Cheese Rustlers, and Roots and Fruits Produce. She is currently Director of Purchasing at Co-op Partners Warehouse. Gary Cunningham is President and CEO at Prosperity Now in Washington D.C. and was the First Spouse of Minneapolis during the mayoral term of his wife, Betsy Hodges. Back in the ‘70s, he lived with his uncle Moe Burton, who started the first Black Panther chapter in Minneapolis and founded the Bryant Central Co-op. Leo Cashman worked at Seward Co-op for four years during the mid-1970s when the co-op was at 2201 E. Franklin Ave., its first location. Leo was one of two co-op coordinators (managers) who was assaulted and beaten, then dragged out of the store the morning of Jan. 9, 1976.

The discussion will be facilitated by Seward Co-op Board President LaDonna Sanders Redmond, who is also featured in the film.

Learn more about “The Co-op Wars” at http://www.radicalrootsfilm.com

Please RSVP in advance. You will receive a video link to view the film ahead of time. You will also receive a Zoom link or phone number to join the discussion on Jan 13.

Make your own customizable soap as holiday gifts! Join Longfellow Soap owner John Hanson to learn soap making techniques. Students will receive a free silicone mold and class manual at the class.

John Hanson, Longfellow Soap

$40/$35 for Seward Co-op owners

This is an in-person class at our Franklin location. Please RSVP in advance. Registration closes the day before class.