As member-owners of the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market, we’ve all been working together for over a decade to bring our shared vision of a community-driven, local food co-op to life. Now, with over 1,200 committed member-owners and more than 75 local business partners, we’re closer than ever to making this dream a reality. That’s why we’re launching the “Don’t Wait, Cooperate” campaign—a powerful effort designed to engage city council members and ensure their support in bringing the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to downtown Cedar Falls.
While this campaign focuses on building strong relationships with city officials, we need you, our member-owners, to be empowered advocates for the co-op. You have the unique ability to spread our message through conversations with friends, family, and even council members themselves. After all, as member-owners, your voice is central to our success!
Here’s what you need to know to feel confident in sharing our story:
Strengthening the Cedar Valley Economy
A food co-op will significantly strengthen our local economy by supporting local farmers, producers, and businesses. Unlike traditional grocery stores, a co-op ensures that dollars spent stay in our community, creating a multiplier effect that directly benefits the Cedar Valley.
- By the Numbers:
- 1,200+ member-owners: Our co-op is already a strong community of stakeholders.
- $1,000 spent at a co-op generates $1,604 in local economic activity.¹ This means co-ops have a 1.6x multiplier effect, generating far more impact than a conventional grocery store.
- 2.5 times more business with local farms.² Co-ops engage with local producers more than twice as often as traditional grocers, meaning more support for local agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
Filling the Gap in Nutrient-Dense Food Access
Surveys have shown a clear need for better grocery options in downtown Cedar Falls. The Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market is positioned to fill this gap by offering a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense, and locally sourced products. Our market will serve as a hub for high-quality, healthy food that benefits both the consumer and the community.
Innovative Partnerships for a Better Future
We’re not just building a grocery store—we’re building a community. Our co-op is eager to engage in innovative partnerships that push Cedar Valley to the forefront of local food systems and economic development. Together, we can create a vibrant space that offers fresh, nutritious options while uplifting our local economy.
How You Can Help: Don’t Wait, Cooperate
We’re counting on you to help us spread the word. Whether it’s a conversation with friends, a casual chat with family, or even a moment with a city council member, every interaction helps build momentum. Use these talking points to guide your conversations and encourage others to see the value of bringing the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to life.
- A co-op will strengthen our local economy by supporting local farmers and producers.
- Every $1,000 spent at a food co-op generates $1,604 in local economic activity.¹
- The Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market will fill the gap for fresh, locally sourced food in downtown Cedar Falls.
- Now is the time to make this vision a reality—our community needs it!
Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for the Cedar Valley. Don’t wait—cooperate with us to bring the Rooted Carrot Co-Op Market to life.
For more information and to get involved, visit RootedCarrot.coop.
Citations:
¹ Cooperative Grocer Network
² 20 Food Cooperatives Building Resilient Communities – Food Tank
Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry is the story of seven corporate titans, their rise to power, and the consequences for everyone else. The historical home of meat packing Baron Reuben Rath of Rath Meat Packing, once the largest meat packer in the world, sits in Waterloo, Iowa. The home, which is now the home of IFSC Executive Director Chris Schwartz, will be the site for the Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) holiday fundraiser, featuring the author of Barons, Austin Frerick.
