In 1948 Minnesota was the first state to declare October as Co-op Month, and in 1964 it became a national event. Since then, we have been a top state for cooperative businesses and one of the top three states with the most agricultural co-ops. This October, let’s raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business, which provides an alternative to traditional capitalist systems and invests in our local communities whenever possible.

Explore Cooperative Producers

Seward Co-op understands the power and importance of supporting fellow co-ops. We are proud to collaborate with fellow co-ops in the products you see on the store shelves to the community partners with whom we engage. Learn about a few cooperative Community Foods producers you can find at Seward Co-op stores.

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Small-scale, cooperative, local
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is located in the heart of Wisconsin, in the town of Ellsworth — known as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin.” The co-op was founded in 1910 and primarily made butter, and had chickens for laying eggs. In time, after many innovations and expansions they transitioned to making cheese. Today, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is 300+ dairy farm families strong. They make a variety of delicious cheeses, including the entire Blasers Natural cheese collection. Add Chipotle Cheddar to any fall cheese board for a bit of delightful, smoky heat.

Wisconsin Growers

Local, cooperative
Founded in 2006 to help 20 families maintain ownership of their farms, Wisconsin Growers farmers are dedicated to the idea that if they take “good care of the soil, the soil will pay back with high-quality produce.” On nearly 40 acres of the co-op’s land, farmers plant, tend and harvest crops exclusively using horses, horse machinery, and hand tools. Enjoy their seasonal squash varieties this fall.

Alaffia

Small-scale, cooperative
Alaffia is a fair trade producer of skin and body care products in Togo, West Africa. The women of the Alaffia Shea Butter Cooperative hand-craft shea butter and other raw ingredients using traditional, sustainable methods. Stock up on their moisturizing lotions, bath, and body care before the cold, dry winter months.

Pachamama

Small-scale, cooperative
Pachamama is a cooperative of other cooperatives. Five small-scale farmer cooperatives in Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Ethiopia own the business. This gives the farmers direct ownership over the brand all the way from the farm to your cup. Pachamama’s board of directors is made up entirely of farmer representatives, meaning that farmers not only own the business but they also control it.