BELFAST — Belfast Community Co-op will host a free event featuring author, speaker, and advocate for local food systems, Jon Steinman, on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library.

“This engaging gathering offers an invaluable opportunity for community members to explore the principles of sustainable living and strengthen their connection to local food networks,” said Belfast Community Co-op, in a news release.

The event is free to all community members.

Supply chain disruptions. Food inflation. Grocery stores have been thrust onto center stage in recent years.

“More of us have come to recognize just how important these institutions are, including their influence on human health, the planet, and the future of food,” said the release. “Enter the community-owned grocery store. With their more durable and transparent model of grocery store ownership and governance, food co-ops are designed for these times.”

Canadian author Jon Steinman shares insights on the future of grocery stores and the food supply chain, and he shares stories of the inspiring food co-op renaissance currently taking place across the U.S.

“Expect a provocative and inspirational experience,” said the release.

The talk will be followed by a community dialogue about the food co-op future. Steinman will introduce and facilitate his 'Cooperative Dialogue' – an approach to group communication that he's developed for cooperatives.

Jon Steinman is the author of Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants (New Society Publishers). Steinman has visited over 160 food co-ops across the USA and Canada. In partnership with the Food Co-op Initiative (FCI), Jon published This Could Be Ours - a Photo Album to inspire your food co-op dream and he's the publisher of the Food Co-op Finder mobile app. Steinman regularly delivers educational sessions to food co-op boards and staff and is a frequent keynote speaker at food co-op annual meetings. Before writing his book, Steinman was an elected director and Board President of the Kootenay Co-op in Nelson, British Columbia - Canada's largest food co-op specializing in natural foods, and was the writer and host of the radio series, podcast, and television show Deconstructing Dinner.

"We are honored to welcome Jon Steinman to Belfast Community Co-op for what promises to be an enlightening and empowering event," said Alessandra Martinelli, Outreach Coordinator for Belfast Community Co-op. "Jon's expertise and passion for promoting sustainable food systems align closely with our mission to cultivate resilience and community empowerment. We are eager to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore actionable strategies for building a more sustainable future together."

For more information, please visit www.belfast.coop/jon-steinman.

Located in the heart of downtown, the Belfast Community Co-op is a full-service market that has been serving our area since 1976. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op: it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally sourced, reasonably priced, organic, and natural products to all. Visit us at 123 High Street in the heart of Downtown Belfast. Open daily! Call us at 207-338-2532 and find out more about us online at www.belfast.coop.