Experience a farmers market every day at this one-of-a-kind Richland shop
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- Tri Cities Food Co-op grows membership base, targeting 1,000 by August 2025.
- Local sourcing shields co-op from supply disruptions, ensuring product stability.
- Community events, workshops and yoga classes expand co-op’s public outreach role.
From expanding community programs to adding new local vendors, the Tri Cities Food Co-op is growing and they’re not slowing down.
With 816 current members and a goal of reaching 1,000 by August, the Richland-based grocery co-op is seeing momentum build as it enters its first full summer season.
Located at 1420 Jadwin Ave, the co-op is offering a local alternative to national grocery chains still facing supply chain disruptions.
Powered by member-ownership and regional partnerships, the store has become a reliable source for organic produce, pantry staples and specialty goods, all sourced with transparency and care.
“Resilience is local,” said Jessica McPeak, operations manager at the co-op. “We’ve been getting great feedback from the community, whether it’s people coming to our monthly market, joining our new programs, or simply shopping with us regularly. It’s clear that people want more connection to their food and their community.”
The co-op offers a lifetime membership with two pricing options: $100 for a general membership and $50 for students and seniors.
Memberships are household based and come with perks like store discounts, access to member-only events and voting power on co-op decisions.
But McPeak emphasized that anyone can shop at the co-op. No membership is required.
In recent months, the store has added new vendors and offerings, including gourmet mushrooms from a local grower and fresh berries from Schreiber Farms and Lovejoy.
During a time when national egg shortages affected store shelves, the co-op maintained a steady stock from three local farms, keeping prices affordable.
“We didn’t feel the impact the way some of the larger stores did,” McPeak said. “Our relationships with local producers kept us steady and made a big difference for shoppers.”
The co-op has also be expanding its role as a community hub, offering everything from education workshops to art classes. In July, it’s launching yoga classes in partnership with Lifted Lotus, a local wellness collective.
Other recent events have included paper making, canning demos and a “Pest in our Backyard” workshop hosted by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
The co-op’s coffee bar, now open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., features locally roasted beans.
“Our space is completely community-driven,” McPeak said. “Whether someone’s shopping, taking a class, or just grabbing coffee, it’s all part of building something together.”
The co-op also aims to minimize waste through its “chicken scratch” bin, a system where leftover produce is repurposed and made available to members who raise animals. What isn’t picked up by the end of the week gets donated directly by staff.
As the co-op pushes toward its membership goal, McPeak said the focus remains on building long-term stability through cooperation, not competition.
“We want people to know this isn’t just a store,” she said. “It’s a movement. Every dollar spent here supports local farmers, producers, and the health of our community.”
The co-op is open seven days a week and its monthly community market is held every third Saturday. More information is available at their website.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.