Willy Street Co-op

For half a century, a Madison co-op has quietly grown into a community cornerstone, supporting local farmers, fighting food insecurity, and promoting sustainability. WMTV, Shen and Nizhawin stop by Willy Street co-op t Shana. Cameron, it all started in 1974 with a single storefront and a bold vision. Fast forward today, and Willy Street co-op is a three store powerhouse of local food and community investment. People who shop here really care about where their food comes from. Step inside Willy Street co-op and you'll find more than groceries. Who makes their food? How the people who make the food are treated. You'll find a mission to feed, support, and sustain the Madison community. A lot of the rest of the country has really kind of caught up with that, with organic food and local food and sustainable. That's really big all around now. So our shoppers have been doing that for decades. Since 1974, t So in 1985, when I walked into the co-op for the first time, I never imagined I would still be here or work in the capacity that I do. Willy Street co-op sources products from hundreds of local farmers. And in fiscal year 2024 alone, gave nearly $1 million back to community causes. It's my love of people who I work with, food we sell, and I the co-ops community reinvestment fund has donated more than $673,000 since 1992. But it's not just about the money, it's about a mindset. We price in a fair way. So we are not the cheapest grocery store in Madison, but we also feel that we are putting money in the right places. Sustainability is also part of the co-ops DNA, diverting over 260,000 pounds of organic waste last year, and generating 22% of electricity at its west side store through solar power. And I t But that means we have to do more to stand out. 50 years in and t But I t So I t And the co-op plans to mark the anniversary through this year, 2025 October, including a community celebration later this s You can find a list of events and ways to get involved on their website. Live in studio, Shayna N'Jowin, WMTV, 15 News. Shayna, thank you. The co-op is open to the public, no members