Food Coop

Food cooperatives will flourish again this year, along the lines suggested by Peter Rendad in the first Salient.

One of the main reasons for the failure of the past cooperative was its size — about 210 member flats — which created difficulties in the handling of produce. The new system is pyramid style with the university at the apex, being the central depot. This will service small neighbourhood co-ops formed or joined by students and non-students. An initial $1 share will provide the capital for such expenses as truck hirage and the first delivery. Members will be able to sell their share back to the society at any time.

It is envisaged that weekly deliveries of fruit and vegetables and monthly deliveries of groceries be made to neighbourhood depots. The Newtown Community Centre, which investigated the supply of groceries, was turned down by wholesalers, but manufacturers themselves may be prepared to supply. By direct trading with the manufacturers savings of between 25 and 33 per cent of total food bills are possible. Eggs, for instance could be as much as 20 cents per dozen cheaper.

The co-operation of individual members of the society will make this a practical proposition. A start should be made this week, and all interested students and others can leave their names and addresses at the Students Association Office.