The Ypsilanti Food Cooperative began like most food co-ops, as a buying club organized by volunteers that outgrew its borrowed church basements. We’ve been blessed with outstanding grass roots support throughout the more than 30 years we have served our small community. The co-op is currently located in historic Depot Town; and our building, known as the Mill Works Building, was originally a foundry that made grinding wheels for flour. While recycling and reducing waste have always been basic to our store, in 2005 we installed 4 solar panels to our roof to replace some of our energy consumption with renewable energy. In 2005 we also acquired the bakery next door. Most of the work to reclaim and renovate our space was done by volunteers in keeping with the ambience of our 1840s building. Many of our wood shelves have also been custom-made by volunteers, some from reclaimed ash eradicated by the Emerald Ash Borer. In addition, most of the capital was derived from our member owners in the form of member shares and loans. Our product line includes a large and varied inventory for our small size. Highlights include organic bulk grains, spices and coffees, produce, hot soups, sandwiches and other deli items, homemade granola and baked goods, and fresh sourdough breads baked in our wood fired brick oven. But it’s more than selling groceries that keeps our community alive! Our volunteers truly excel in community outreach, fundraising, and fun special events that celebrate our unique community. We are proud to celebrate the arts, food, young adult and elementary school education, and our community’s heritage. All these volunteer efforts are community-building in action, and strong evidence of the passion Ypsilanti Food Co-op folks feel for keeping good, natural organic food available at a reasonable price in our town.