My Public Statement and Stance as a Business Owner & Leader in the community in regard to the proposed second location of Seward co-op (Friendship Site): I, Ms. Ashley Lauren (B.A. in Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Community Outreach, Eighth Ward-Stephanie Ball Bailey Youth Leadership Award, Art For Change Award Recipient, etc.) would like to support the implementation of a Community Benefits Agreement in an effort to promote equality and equal opportunities for ALL (not just some people). The goal is to have this agreement supported by Elizabeth Glidden as well as other council-members, Seward co-op organization, Neighborhood Organizations, residents from our neighborhood, and leaders for the following reasons: 1) Lack of opportunities for individuals of color who are local business owners to become a vendor at Seward co-op as well as the proposed Friendship site. 2) The United States Department of Agriculture states that Minneapolis is considered as a Food Desert, and the proposed co-op isnt the solution. We need options and to learn about Urban Agriculture, Food Entrepreneurship, as well as providing solutions to overcome health disparities. 3) The produce is overpriced at the co-ops. According to Sabathani Food Shelf, more than 25,000 individuals in our neighborhood utilize the Food Shelf, thus meaning the majority will not be able to afford groceries at the co-op. Example: 2 lbs of Blueberries=$13.99 4) The co-op does not have a board that reflects the demographics of our neighborhood, and we need Diversity, culturally enriched, affordable grocery store that does not charge individuals a Membership fee and fails to inform residents that they can buy affordable produce from a CSA (Local farms that supply co-ops with fresh, organic produce), which is an option for everyone, just minus the expense. 5) Lack of respect as well as bullying exercised by those who are opposed to the proposed co-op. To be specific I am concerned as well as disturbed about the negative tactics deriving from the Carrot Initiative in regard to the proposed Seward Co-op store via blogs and neighborhood forums. 6) Unfair & Unethical Hiring Practices exercised on behalf of the Seward Co-op. 7) Lack of communication and failure to post details surrounding the proposed co-op. We must work as a collective to make long lasting change in our community! -Ms. Ashley Lauren (DivaRags SuaveClothing)
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 18:32:55 +0000
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