Why Supporting Your Local Co-op Matters

At Three Rivers Market, we believe that every dollar you spend at our co-op creates a ripple
effect that benefits our entire community. By choosing to shop local, you’re not just buying
groceries—you’re making a conscious decision to support local farmers, promote environmental
sustainability, and strengthen the bonds within our community. In this blog, we’ll explore why
shopping at a local co-op like Three Rivers Market matters and how your choices make a real
difference.

1. Supporting Local Farmers

One of the most significant impacts of shopping at a local co-op is the support it provides to
local farmers. Three Rivers Market is proud to partner with farms like Spencer Mountain
Mennonite Farms and Sustainable Harvest Farm, two local producers who are deeply
committed to providing fresh, high-quality, and sustainably grown produce.

By purchasing from these local farms, you’re not just getting delicious and fresh food—you’re
ensuring that the farmers behind these products can continue to thrive, support their families,
and maintain sustainable agriculture practices.

2. Reducing Environmental Impact

Local co-ops are committed to sustainability. By choosing to source as much as we can from
nearby farms and suppliers, we reduce the need for long-distance transportation, which means
lower carbon emissions. Food that travels fewer miles is fresher and more nutrient-dense, as it
doesn’t have to endure long periods of storage or refrigeration. This commitment to local
sourcing helps reduce our carbon footprint and fosters a more sustainable food system.

3. Building a Stronger Community

Co-ops like ours are more than just grocery stores—Co-Ops are community hubs where
neighbors connect, ideas are shared, and we all work together to strengthen the local economy.
When you shop at Three Rivers Market, your money stays in the community. Local businesses
are more likely to reinvest in the area, supporting local charities, or sourcing from other small
businesses.

Our NOURISHING CHANGE program is a perfect example of how we use your support to give
back. This month, proceeds from your rounded-up purchases will go to the Lonsdale
Elementary School PTFO, helping them provide much-needed resources for local students.
When you shop local, you become part of a larger movement that prioritizes people and
community over profit.

Additionally, we partner with local artisans, including our featured Artists of the Month, giving
them a platform to showcase their work and enrich our co-op’s atmosphere. This kind of collaboration builds stronger connections within our community and supports the local economy
in multiple ways.

4. The Power of Choice

When you shop at Three Rivers Market, you’re choosing where your food comes from, how it’s
grown, and who benefits from your purchase. Unlike large corporate grocery chains, we focus
on transparency and ethics in everything we do. From fair wages for our employees to
maintaining cooperative values, every decision we make is with the best interests of our
community in mind. And when you choose to shop here, you become part of that story—one
that values fairness, sustainability, and community.

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Supporting your local co-op is about more than just getting groceries. It’s about making a
commitment to your community, your environment, and the people who work hard to bring you
fresh, healthy food. By shopping at Three Rivers Market, you’re investing in local farmers,
promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening the ties that bind our community together.

So the next time you stop by Three Rivers Market, remember: every purchase you make is a
vote for a more sustainable, locally-focused future. Thank you for supporting your local co-op.
We couldn’t do it without you.