WOC Statement of purpose

Why do we do what we do?

1.To provide an affordable opportunity to by organic produce.

The weekly ordering, purchasing and delivery of organic produce to the homes of members will achieve this. Buying in bulk and in a non-for profit manner enables the prices to be kept to a minimum, avoiding the normal retail mark-up. The produce will be sourced mainly via the Melbourne Wholesale Markets.

2.To encourage the consumption of organic produce.

This will occur in two main ways; firstly, the prohibitive extra costs in buying organic produce will be reduced (see above), thus encouraging those who previously were unable to afford to buy organic to now do so; secondly, by the production and distribution of relevant information espousing the benefits of organic produce over conventional varieties.

3.To provide an opportunity for friendship and connections between people locally.

Again we see this coming about in a range of ways; firstly, the buying and distribution of the organic produce brings small groups of local people together on a rostered, weekly basis; secondly, we plan to have four ‘quarterly’ celebrations each year, sharing food, stories and ideas with other members of the Association.

(Text for Department of Consumer Affairs as part of submission to become an incorporated Association, March 2004).

Premise - Our coop works because:

1.We are located close to the Metropolitan Fruit & Vegetable market.
2.Households are clustered together to allow for ease of delivery. (WOC now has a policy of new members being in Footscray/Maribyrnong).
3.Each member participates in the process, each role is essential for it to work.

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