Products Grocery Founded 1971, Iowa, United States | Website newpi.coop Type of business Consumers' cooperative | |
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Headquarters Iowa City, Iowa, United States Profiles | ||
Organic greens to new pioneer food co op
New Pioneer Food Co-op, commonly shortened to New Pi, is a locally owned food cooperative based in Iowa City, Iowa. This city also serves as the headquarters of the National Cooperative Grocers Association. In addition to the Iowa City store, New Pioneer has a location in Coralville, and a third location which opened in Cedar Rapids in 2014. New Pioneer Co-op also includes a production hub in North Liberty, Iowa.
Contents
- Organic greens to new pioneer food co op
- New pioneer food co op expanding the options for alernative diets
- Organizational structure
- Membership
- Publications
- History in Brief
- References
New Pioneer was founded in 1971 as “a natural foods buying club” modeled after the Rochdale Principles, and is now a full-service bakery, deli, and grocer. store It specializes in local food, organic produce, cage-free antibiotic and hormone-free meat, milk, and poultry. The Co-op's seafood program is certified Sustainable by the Seafood Watch Program from the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. The wonderful handmade pastry selection uses local cage free eggs, local butter, and organic flour, but also offers a delicious selection of wheat-free dessert options. All foods sold are free of artificial additives. The Co-op offers eco-friendly home and healthcare products.
New Pioneer takes its name from the organization that created the cooperative model, the Rochdale Pioneers.
New pioneer food co op expanding the options for alernative diets
Organizational structure
New Pioneer Food Co-op's three grocery locations, bakehouse and administrative offices are managed by hired staff, and all are overseen by the member-elected Board of Directors.
Membership
The current member–owner plan, calling for a one-time $60 investment for membership, was created in July 1982. There is no yearly fee associated with membership. Members receive extra discounts on special days. The stores are open to all shoppers, one does not need to be a member to buy great food.
In profitable years, New Pioneer’s Board of Directors has the discretion to authorize investment in improvements, distribution of dividends to members proportionate to their purchases, payment of staff bonuses, or donations to non-profit organizations in its community.
Publications
New Pioneer is the publisher of Catalyst, a quarterly food magazine that spotlights Iowa farmers and chefs.
History in Brief
1969: Bulk food buying club begins in Iowa City community center
1971: New Pioneer Co-op files legal papers, opens storefront at 518 Bowery Street, Iowa City
1973: New Pioneer Co-op moves to second floor of Vine Building, at Prentiss and Gilbert Streets, Iowa City
1977: Co-op moves into portion of building at 22 S. Van Buren Street, Iowa City
1987: Co-op expands to occupy full building at 22 S. Van Buren Street
1988: Co-op opens unsuccessful store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, closes in 1991
1994: Bakehouse opens at First Avenue and Fifth Street in Coralville, baking hearth bread
2001: Coralville store opens, struggles financially
2004: Coralville store nearly matches Iowa City store in sales
2005: Co-op free of debt
2007: Iowa City store gets remodel, equipment upgrade
2014: Cedar Rapids store opens.