As a cooperative, we aspire not only to serve co-op owners’ mutual needs, but also to demonstrate that it is possible to cultivate a more equitable society. By working together, we see Seward Co-op as a tool to support greater racial equity. Community Foods can be a guide to shop your values. Join us in honoring inclusively-owned product makers with your purchases.
Local, Small-scale, Black Woman-Owned
Safésha, which means “to cleanse” in Swahili, launched in 2014. Owner Sylvia Andrews was inspired to develop natural skincare products while running a commercial cleaning business. Concern over the health risks of conventional cleaning products led her to research and develop products using plant-based ingredients.
Seward Co-op sells their 3 oz. hand sanitizer in Lavender, Sweet Orange, or Unscented. In fighting Covid-19, Safésha is leading the market in creating a new category and standard of natural moisturizing hand sanitizers that are effective against this pandemic and the viruses and flus to come.
Local, Small-scale, Black & Woman-Owned
LOVE YOU, COOKIE is a cookie start-up based in Minneapolis. Founded by Sarah Brima, Sahr Brima, and Kamal Mohamed, LOVE YOU, Cookie gained prominence in late 2020 by providing fresh and locally baked cookies to restaurant Nashville Coop, and local retailers.
Seward Co-op sells both varieties of their cookies: Chocolate Chip Cashew as well as Double Chocolate Peanut Butter. Both cookies are slightly crunchy on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside. Their pro tip is to warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds and serve with a scoop of ice cream!
Local, Small-scale, Black & Woman-Owned
Bridget Riddley is an author of childrens books that represent African American children and children of color in a positive way. Bridget is inspired when children who learn differently are able to overcome obstacles and surpass goals, and Bridget’s activities help children move a little easier in this world. Find What Colors Do You Like? by Bridget Riddley on the shelf at Seward Co-op.
Local, Small-scale, BIPOC & Woman-Owned
Roots Essential is woman-owned and locally operated in Wayzata, MN. Handmade in small batches, their mission is to offer naturally healing skin and body care through clean products and sustainable practices. Find Roots Essential soaps, lotions and more in Seward Co-op’s wellness aisles!
Supporting local, small-scale, cooperative, inclusive and sustainable businesses keep money in our community and help to build a more sustainable and equitable food system. Conscious consumerism is one way to redistribute wealth in this country.
However conscious consumerism can only be effective if it is part of a larger strategy with meaningful policy change at the center. Contributing to our SEED program is another effective way to support equity. Many of our SEED community partners advocate for different policies in their social work. Check back with us in the coming weeks as we share more about Community Choice SEED recipient for March, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and May’s SEED recipient, Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice.
