We are excited to announce our newest partnership, with none other than Milkshake Media out of Austin, Texas. We’re hyped about this opportunity for a variety of reasons. To begin, an introduction: Milkshake is a creative agency we share core values with- creativity, humour and quality of life. They have an impressive portfolio, featuring work like the LIVESTRONG brand. Maybe you’ve heard of it. They’ve worked with clients like Whole Foods, Chanel, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival amongst others.

The first is Stronger Together Food Co-op. Stronger Together represents the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) co-ops nationwide and their shared commitment to providing delicious, high quality, healthy food; supporting local, sustainable agriculture; and strengthening local communities. They advocate for the production and availability of a safe, sufficient, and sustainable food system and recognize that a healthy environment is a prerequisite for healthy people and a sustainable food system. The second project involves My Co-op Rocks. My Co-op Rocks is an enthusiastic, annual photo and video contest open to anyone who wants to shout out to their favourite food co-op. The process of submissions garners a huge community of co-op lovers, prizes are distributed and the co-ops get great exposure: nice!

We aren’t the only ones interested in food co-ops- the United Nations have recognized 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives. This is an acknowledgement by the international community that co-operatives drive the economy, respond to social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are serious, successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors. It is an exciting time to be a food co-op.