Two years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Weavers Way Co-op for my public relations and publicity course.  For the duration of the project, I basically lived and breathed Weavers Way as I created an extensive PR plan with objectives, strategies, a press release, and faux event.  As a young sophomore, anxiety filled my core as I presented our plan in front of two representatives from Weavers Way.

However, the presentation went great. (Thank goodness!) Weavers Way even used a slogan we created for an ad on WHYY.

But I realized that I was totally dazzled by this little co-op. From the very moment I stepped into the Mt. Airy store, I was so impressed with how it was operated, the products it carried, and people who worked there.  It was such a friendly and warm environment, perfectly integrated into the community. The coolest part is that Weavers Way actually owns two local farms, and it was the first of three co-ops in the U.S. to do so!

Everyone is welcome to shop in the store, but you can become more involved.

Here are the perks to being a Weavers Way Co-op Member:

Democracy!  Members have a voice heard throughout the co-op and community.  They serve as leaders in supporting local food and work to create a transparent supply chain, facilitate the slow food movement and educate the community.

“I really enjoy being part of community of people who share my values and we’re acting on those values collectively,” says Rebecca Torpie, Marketing Director at Weavers Way.

Steals and Deals: Who doesn’t love a great discount?  All members receive exclusive deals at Weavers Way, home-delivery, and pre-ordering. Another great perk? members who join the CSA receive a box of fresh produce every week!

Become a Working Member:  In addition to the deals above, working members earn an extra 5% all groceries at Weavers Way for only 6 hours per year.  Working members truly become integrated into the community by forming relationships between other members, staff, vendors, and farmers.  Through these experiences, they learn what works for the Co-op, what doesn’t work, and how to improve.

The Impact: At this point, you may be thinking, “all these things sound good, but will it really positively change my daily life?”

Answer is, yes.   Torpie explains how Philadelphia is a hot-bed for co-ops right now, which reflects how important democratic capitalism is to the residents.  The community is moving towards these types of businesses because it gives them the power to make positive change.

Weavers Way gives the city of Philadelphia the resources to educate residents about food and nutrition.  It also provides a free, fresh, healthy, and tasty snack for children and youths in the area through its many outreach programs.  And I think that’s pretty remarkable.

Readers, have I convinced you of Weavers Way’s promise and perks?  Are you ready to take advantage of this opportunity in your neighborhood?

Here’s how to become a member today.

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is a senior at Saint Joseph’s University, majoring in Communications & Digital Media. She has a passion for traveling, fitness, and food sustainability (and food in general)! She spent a semester abroad in Florence, experiencing how sustainability-conscious Europe is, which inspired her to do her part, too. Her dream career includes the continuation of traveling internationally. View all posts by Jessica Rutkowski