Co-op Principle #5: Education, Training, and Information

Here at the Potsdam Food Co-op, we pride ourselves on educating the community. Whether it’s discovering a new product, understanding where your food comes from, or learning how to make healthier choices, learning can happen in everyday moments. At the Potsdam Food Co-op, that learning experience is intentional. That’s what the principle of Education, Training, and Information is all about.

All food cooperatives follow 7 standard principles that were first created in 1995 by the International Cooperative Alliance to help co-ops stay true to their values: putting people, community, and fairness at the center of business. Later an 8th principle was created that is followed by most co-ops including us. Co-ops focus on serving their members and strengthening their communities instead of just focusing on profit like a traditional business. These values are more than just a list on the website, they are how we make all of our decisions and operate on a day to day and big picture level. The fifth value on the list is Education, Training, and Information. 

The main idea of this principle is that co-ops are committed to sharing knowledge with their members, employees, and the local community. The Potsdam Food Co-op believes that when people have access to information, they can make better decisions for themselves, their families, and the environment. Whether it’s learning about nutrition, sustainable sourcing, or how co-ops operate, education plays a key role in building a stronger community.

Staff members are happy to help answer questions and guide customers, making the store a place where people feel comfortable exploring new products or asking for advice. There are countless products at the Co-op that are hard to find in other places making it possible to try something new every time you visit! Board members and employees are also encouraged to continue learning so they can better support the co-op’s mission and operations.

In daily operations, this commitment shows up in a variety of ways. Product labels and signage often provide helpful information about ingredients, sourcing, and benefits. There are also signs for some products that provide an insight into the business that the products come from. The co-op also hosts events and samplings that introduce members to new ideas and products. One example is the Cheese of the Month, where a featured cheese is offered at 10% off along with free samples on the second Friday of each month.

The co-op also works to share information about how it operates. By helping members understand what a cooperative is and how it functions, the store empowers more people to get involved and participate. Our website is loaded with information from recommended recipes to our upcoming renovation plans to help customers learn without needing to ask questions. There are also sections highlighting the local vendors and events going on here at the Co-op. On top of this we are constantly updating our social media pages with daily offers and new products. This transparency encourages a deeper connection between the co-op and its community.

At the end of the day, Education, Training, and Information is about more than just selling products but also teaching customers things that they might not have known before. By creating a space where people can learn, ask questions, and grow, the Potsdam Food Co-op continues to build a community that is informed, engaged, and connected.