Wasatch Food Co-op Brings A Community-Owned Grocery to 900 South
The arrival of the Wasatch Food Co-op this year gave Salt Lake City its first community-owned grocery store and a year-round home for local food. More than a place to shop, the co-op is built on the idea that neighbors should have a say in where their food comes from and how their grocery store operates. We are so excited to have this resource participating in our 801 Day 9 Line Business Passport!
What's On The Shelves?
The co-op's mission prioritizes affordable groceries, sustainable practices, partnerships with Utah farmers and food makers, and a stronger regional food system. On the shelves, you’ll find local produce, bulk foods, pantry staples and specialty products alongside everyday essentials, because sometimes you really do just need the Ben & Jerry’s.
I’m particularly excited by the bulk section, where you're allowed to bring your own containers, instead of keeping track of a million plastic bags that you’ll just put in another container anyway at home.
Also on my shopping list:
- My beet seeds never really grew, so I’m grabbing some pickled beets from Cache Canning & Ferments along with some pickled carrots.
- Any local lettuce because I really want a BLT with my garden tomatoes but I don’t want … you know.
- Grab-and-heat biscuits from Sweet Lake Biscuits.
- A bouquet from Greenspring Floral to bring the outdoors in while I stay in the A/C.
But What Exactly Is a Food Co-op?
The defining characteristic of a food co-op is the fact that the store is member-owned. Anyone can shop there, but for a one-time $300 ownership share (or a $25 monthly payment plan), members gain a voice in how the co-op is run, including voting for the board of directors and helping shape the store’s future.
Membership also comes with perks like quarterly 10% savings on one purchase, monthly specials, discounts on special orders and events, and potential patronage rebates if the co-op is profitable. Best of all, the investment helps strengthen Utah’s local food economy and support local farmers and producers.
801 Day Deal: 10-15% off local products
