Why I Admire Cassie…I mean Jan.
(Read to the bottom for the challenge)
In the rural town of Dryden, ON you can always find Jan hard at work. Whether she's tending to her garden, slugging soil at 🇨🇦Canadian Tire, or crafting delicious preserves, her dedication is inspiring.
With a warm and infectious laugh, Jan responded to our young co-op coordinator who suggested her logo displayed 1980. "That's fine," she giggled, "but you could easily add another 25 years or so."
Jan firmly believes that no squash should be sold for more than a dollar each. Regardless of their size, even if they reach 14 lbs, she ensures you'll always leave with a truck full of her produce. She won’t sell it on the co-op she says—cause you won’t like my prices.
As we discussed the pricing of Jan's Jam, we considered our pricing structure and how it reflects her needs. Jan's primary concern was affordability for the customers, as she wants everyone to have access to fresh, locally-sourced, and lovingly-made food. Times are tough, she said.
As I gazed into Jan's eyes, I couldn't help but ask, "Have prices gone up for you too?" Her stunning yet sorrowful eyes met mine, silently revealing the truth she couldn't bring herself to admit. The burden weighing heavily on her heart, it was clear that producers, like her, were feeling the relentless, tightening squeeze of financial pressure.
Eventually, we agreed on a $7 price point back in her pocket, but it took some convincing. Here's how the 807 Food Co-op pricing model supports Jan and other local producers:
1. Jan needs $7 to make her efforts worthwhile and stay in business, so we do the calculations to sustain her livelihood.
2. An additional 5% is incorporated for packaging, processing, and pickup fees.
3. Jan contributes 10% of her sales to maintain the organization's foundation, including software, marketing and labor costs.
5. All producer members contribute $50 per year towards the growth of the organization.
BUT .GOV STRIKES AGAIN AND TELLS JAN SHE NEEDS A LICENSE—
We are raising funds to operate a shared, local production facility (Food Hub) to get the Health Unit off Jan’s back (and hopefully everyone thereafter).
#GOV squashed my milk runs (which were like 95% “compliant”) and now they are trying to squash co-op members like Jan doing things safe but old school. She can’t afford to rent my licensed kitchen, I can’t afford it alone, nobody can afford to comply around here…We want to secure the future of “compliance” for our region so we can aid in knowledge transfer and get a decentralized food system going before everyone ages out completely. Average age right now is about 70–not kidding. 93year old Bob Wall is still diggin up taters.
807 Food Co-op is initiating a crowdfunding campaign to boost our impact in Northwestern Ontario. Our aspirations are bold, yet we take small, calculated steps. Operating as a grassroots organization, we aim to establish a scalable, deeply-rooted, and collaborative food system in our region.
We invite you to join our mission:
"Empowering Northwestern Ontario with a grassroots food network that provides high-quality, locally-grown, and handcrafted products, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainability.”
EVERY ZAP in the next 72hours WILL GO TOWARD A GROUP CONTRIBUTION FOR THIS CAMPAIGN.
SUGGEST A TEAM NAME FOR THE DONATION, WE WILL PICK THE BEST ONE AND I’LL SLAM THE LOCALS ON WHY BTC & NOSTR ARE AMAZING.
#grownostr
#permaculture #impact #foodcoop
#compliance
#[6]​ and the TSP community.