‘Anti-profit’ food stores in U.S.

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33452, 6 February 1974, Page 5

‘Anti-profit’ food stores in U.S.

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ADELE HORIN,

NEW YORK. The weekly shopping excursion is a dreaded event these days, with food prices soaring, a bewildering array of fancy packages beckoning, an antiseptic atmosphere and mirrors glaring down on harassed customers.

But 'a growing band of people throughout the United ■States is trying to change all that. i They are running "antiprofit” food stores that aim to make shopping a cheaper and more enjoyable occalision. “We’re trying to make ours a real community store,” .said Mr Steve Clark, a member of a collective of 10 which runs the Stone Soup ‘Food Store in Washington. "There’s a good atmosphere. and customers don’t feel alienated from us or each lother. We even’have a newsletter.” I The Stone Soup Store I doesn’t look like your average supermarket. Instead of rows of tins and boxes, there are barrels of grain, flour, fruit, nutritious breakfast cereal and many other lines of food that come prepackaged in other stores. HOME-MADE BREAD Eggs are stored loose in the cooler, cheese is cut from huge blocks, and the bread is home-made Instead of shopping trolleys, customers use a variety of bags and boxes brought from home, including car-! tons for the eggs, i They measure out their! ‘bulk items, wrap them andj mark the prices with a felt : 'pen. There is always a lot of talking over the vegetable: grates, and in the lines toi the two cash registers as; black, white and Spanish: customers discuss their purchases, exchange recipes and remark on the food for! sale.

FRIENDLY SCENE

Il is usually a bustling and—for a food store—surprisingly friendly scene. What is most important, too. is that a week’s load of groceries costs about 20 per! cent less than at a supermarket. And the food is likely to be better quality because the Stone Soup Store refuses to stock refined or “junk” foods.

f The store runs on a bud-i 1 get of $6OOO a month, clearing ! $2OOO which is used to re-1 pay loans. When the loans are paid i off, the excess income will r|be eliminated by reducing -i prices. COSTS LISTED Price lags list the cost of .every item, the overhead > (running froin zero to six per ; cent) for transport, spoilage.: and theft, and the 20 per . cent extra that pays for - rent, loans and 10 salaries,! i each of $lO3 a week. Paul Stern, another member of the collective, said . the store bought.most of its produce from wholesalers and ■ local farmers, and from a few' big commercial houses. '' “We’ve met no resistance. ! but a lot of scepticism.” he .'said. However, the store is proving financially viable, and, has given the lead to two' similar stores in Washington. Plans are underway for a , community warehouse and a ; trucking company that also will work on the non-profit ■ motive. Shopping in the store is an . educational experience. ComImunity and current events signs are posted around, and, ■! customers are introduced to .: nutritious foods that were probably out of their range at supermarket or health “store prices. ,| Shoppers can also take I -part in the weekly store: meetings, when buying and: ;marketing policies are set. ' : “We’re proving that there j :is an alternative way,” PauE !Stern said.

ENGAGEMENT

(Engagement notices must be signed by both parties.) I Robb — Scoon: Mr and -Mrs C. N. Scoon, 35 Spaxton -Street, Methven, have much, pleasure in announcing the engagement of their younger; daughter, Helen Elizabeth, to! ‘Tony Charles, eldest son of Mrs M. D. Robb. Nelson, and Ithe late Mr N. S. Robb.