50 Years of Cooperation A digital timeline of Seward Community Co-op

Seward Co-op opened its doors on a dreary winter day in 1972. It was a time when food prices were skyrocketing, faith in government was at a low point, and civil rights issues were at the forefront of evolving social movements. The world seemed increasingly fragile, alienating, and volatile, and people responded by participating in grassroots organizing to build a better world. They believed it was time for a system that valued transparency over secrecy, one that promoted fairness over abuse of power.

Seward Co-op’s first building was located at the corner of 22nd and Franklin Avenues as a storefront of less than 700 square feet, and it was run by volunteers. Initially, the co-op was called "Seward Community Cooop" because it was not legally incorporated as a cooperative.

When the opportunity arose to use that building, organizers hit the streets petitioning community members to join an effort to start the co-op and raise money to purchase the initial inventory. Most of the food was sold from large buckets and bags sitting on the floor.

The Co-op Wars Began

What appeared as a milk delivery truck arrived at Seward Co-op’s receiving dock the morning of Jan. 9, 1976. The truck’s cooler was secretly packed with members from the Co-op Organization who proceeded to kidnap two co-op staff in an effort to take over the store.

Learn about the full story: Watch the Co-op Wars documentary

The collective incorporated as a cooperative.

The collective disbanded and hired its first General Manager, PJ Hoffman (1983-1986).

Gail Graham hired as second General Manager (1986-2000).

Seward Co-op reincorporated as a consumer owned cooperative.

In order to raise money for an expansion, the board, with help from staff member Annie Young, led co-op owners in a vote to increase the stock purchase requirement from $3 to $75.

The store at 2201 E. Franklin Ave. expanded into the space between original location and what is now Tracy’s Saloon. By 1989, co-op sales topped $1 million, an increase of 37% over 1987. Staff wages were up 10%, and membership rose to 460 owners.

Co-op consolidation proposal failed by 15 votes.

The previous June, members of Seward Co-op's board of directors began meeting with board members from other area co-ops-including The Wedge in Minneapolis, Lakewinds in Minnetonka, Valley Co-op (now River Market) in Stillwater, and Mississippi Market in St. Paul, to discuss the possibility of consolidation.

The Co-op relocated to 2111 E. Franklin Ave.

Sales on the first day were $8,000 (prior to the move, average daily sales were $3,900).

The new store offered an increased selection in products, dozens of new grab-and-go deli items, a soup and salad bar, and an expanded health and beauty section.

Seward Co-op hosted our first CSA Fair

Seward Co-op relocated to 2823 E. Franklin Ave.

300 new owners joined within the first 30 days of opening. By 2010, the co-op reported $21.3 million in sales.

SEED ‘round up’ program launched.

Today, the program has reached over $2.5 million in donations, made up of ~5,000,000 individual donations. SEED donations have benefited over 55 local non-profits.

Board of directors and management announced intention to build Friendship store. Co-op sales had reached $27.9 million in 2012. 11,000 co-op owners, 230 employees, $30 million in sales.

Nourish program launched.

Discounts applied to co-op purchases from shoppers experiencing financial need nearly doubled as a percent of store sales from 0.24% to 0.44%, a material increase from $972 to $37,892.

In less than a month’s time, the co-op offers online shopping with Curbside Pickup available to all shoppers. In December of the same year, Seward To Go launches: a delivery service in partnership with local, family-owned company Soderberg's Florist and Gifts.

The co-op commissioned murals on the plywood covering store windows, using art to help community members process trauma and grief. (Photo credit Chloe Krenz)

$15/hour starting wage went into effect at Seward Co-op, two years ahead of the city ordinance requirement set for 2022.

Seward Co-op celebrated its 50th anniversary with live music, a $5 Community Meal, live screen printing, and more during its block party at Open Streets Franklin 2022.

Appreciate