How Local Can You Go? Co-op Community Partners

By Ashley Martens, Co-op Member

We’re new to town, so naturally we flocked to the Co-op in search of good food and community. We learned from our former Co-op in Moscow, Idaho, that co-ops can, and do, serve as “third places,” after home and work and as “first” and “second” places, in people’s lives.

They are full of friendly faces and local foods that create deeper connections to the places where we live. Even in the middle of winter, I am learning from the Co-op about local bakeries, ranches, herbalists, craftspeople and farms. I get to make informed choices about what food and health items I buy and where they come from. That feels good.

When I want to make an informed choice about a good or service that the Co-op does not supply, I can consult the Co-op Community Partners guide. This guide is a directory of sorts outlining local businesses and services throughout the greater Bozeman area that agree to give special ongoing discounts and/or premiums to Co-op members.

Community Partner applicants are reviewed by the Co-op before approval, so you can count on them being located locally (primarily within Gallatin, Park, or Madison counties) and locally-owned and operated by Co-op Members. That means no chains or outside-owned franchises. This keeps the local economy healthy, vibrant, and full of that Bozeman flavor we like so much (and we’ve only been here a month!).

Community Partners are owners of diverse local businesses. Health and wellness services are abundant. You can find 10-20 percent discounts on massage and body work, naturopathic, chiropractic, and Chinese medicine treatments.

You can also find reduced rates on doula services, yoga classes and medicinal herbs. There are numerous counselors, life coaches and wellness consultants who give Co-op members special premiums. I love knowing that I have so many affordable choices right here in Bozeman when it comes to caring for my health!

You’ll find a wealth of businesses that will help you care for your home, garden, or artistic side as well. These Community Partners offer discounts on an array of things from djembes to desserts, rugs to reclaimed timber, and pottery to painting services.

Need a local get-away or a place for relatives to stay? There are inns, vacation rentals, and guesthouses who discount their rates. These special prices are provided especially for Co-op members.

All you have to do is present your Bozeman Community Food Co-op membership card!

If you are a local business owner who provides goods or services that would be a good fit for this program (view the policy and procedures) consider applying to become a Community Partner and offering members an incentive to patronize your business. You will get free exposure on the Co-op’s website and in a printed brochure that is handed out at the Customer Service Desk.

Applications are available online or in the store at the Customer Service Desk.

We keep local people and places alive and thriving when we make wise choices about how we spend our money in our community. I keep my printed copy of Community Partners in my purse and pull it out whenever I need a reputable source on where to shop or find quality services at a good price.

Pick up a copy of the Community Partners Directory at the Co-op the next time you shop or visit the online listing and keep our unique Community Partners in business!