Real Pickles: A Co-op Month Success Story
The strength of a community that works cooperatively towards a shared objective should never be underestimated. And, for us here at River Valley Co-op, building and maintaining a just and resilient local food system is one of our most important objectives. We know how immensely fortunate we are to already have a healthy and robust food system established here in the Pioneer Valley, thanks in no small part to the extensive network of small farmers and food producers who call it home and a mindful public that values the importance of buying and eating local. It also represents why cooperative values are so central to the beating heart of our food system.
Much like how our own co-op relies on the collective and democratic will of its owners to thrive, so too does our local food system depend on its independent counterparts to work together to support its own existence. We simply cannot grow complacent and assume the system will continue to grow or even remain as strong as it is today without the commitment of all those involved, which is why it is also beneficial to exercise values which benefit People and Planet in addition to Profit.
Real Pickles' cooperative values shine throughout each and every aspect of their business. One of our longtime partners here in the Valley, they strive to not only contribute to a culture of respect, equity, and shared prosperity within our greater food system but also within their own walls. The small Greenfield-based business was launched with big dreams of a healthier and more natural fermented food options in grocery aisles; a dream they have since brought to fruition! Throughout the years, they have developed equitable cooperative partnerships with local growers, distributors and retailers like our co-op thanks to a commitment to source raw veggies from local farms as much as possible. As a worker-owned cooperative, these community-first values are also reflected internally. Today, Real Pickles' products are local favorites, and their brand exemplifies the potential of delicious food from, and for our region.
In honor and celebration of Co-op Month, we visited Real Pickles to learn more about why they became a cooperative, how they maintain and uphold their values, and what they are working towards to make our little area of the world an even greater destination for local food. Their story turned out to be one of community, longevity and positive energy, not for self-gain but for everyone to share in together. There is little doubt that our local food system would not be as strong as it is today without them—so, just as they support us with healthy, raw fermented foods to enjoy, it is likewise just as important that we band together to support Real Pickles and everything they stand for by sharing their story and purchasing their products at River Valley Co-op! Click below to watch.