Menomonie Market Food Co-op Earns Momentum West's Regional Collaboration Award

The Menomonie Market Food Co-op (MMFC) has been awarded the Regional Collaboration Award from Momentum West, highlighting its profound impact on downtown Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. This honor celebrates the co-op's dedication to community-driven development, innovative partnerships, and its vital role in enhancing the region's livability.

The new 13,000-square-foot Menomonie Market Food Co-op in downtown Eau Claire, WI, fills a significant gap in food accessibility for the area's growing population. The co-op has become an essential addition to the growing downtown community, which already has numerous apartments and additional housing units under construction.

"This project exemplifies the power of collaboration," said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “It brought together public and private entities, leveraged creative financing solutions, and created a resource that benefits the entire community. The Menomonie Market Food Co-op is a model for regional cooperation.”

A Community-Led Journey

What began in 1973 as a grassroots food-buying club organized by Menomonie residents has evolved into a thriving cooperative with over 5,500 owners. The co-op's mission is rooted in the principles of community ownership, local food support, and sustainable practices. Despite challenges over the decades, MMFC has demonstrated resilience and innovation, making it a cornerstone of the local economy and an example for cooperative business models.

Under Crystal Halvorson's leadership, the co-op has expanded its reach and impact with its new location in Eau Claire. The project was made possible through a true partnership effort, grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), creative sale terms from the City of Eau Claire for the site, and additional investment of $2M by over 500 individual owners in the co-op.

Enhancing Downtown Livability

The Menomonie Market Food Co-op is more than a grocery store—it's a community hub. Offering natural and organic products at fair prices, the co-op supports local farmers and producers, provides educational opportunities, and donates to community organizations. Its commitment to inclusivity ensures that customers from all walks of life feel welcome.

"Our mission is that customers have local access to healthy choices, farmers and producers are supported, and our employees enjoy equitable and dignified employment," Halvorson shared. "One way we do that is through over 200 direct buying relationships with area farms and food-based businesses." Through the co-op's giving program, MMFC can fund a Double Dollars program for people who participate in Wisconsin's FoodShare program, allowing people on a tight food budget to stretch their dollars further at the co-op.

A Bright Future

As the Chippewa Valley's only community-owned grocer, MMFC is meeting the region's needs today and planning for a sustainable future. Its continued success underpins healthy communities where people feel a sense of ownership and belonging.

The recognition from Momentum West highlights the co-op's pivotal role in fostering a sustainable, interconnected region. With its dedication to community values, MMFC exemplifies how cooperative businesses can drive economic growth while prioritizing people and the planet.

For more information about the Menomonie Market Food Co-op, visit their website at https://mmfc.coop/