The Seward Co-op’s new building, now located at 2823 Franklin Avenue, boasts a sleek storefront as green as the services they offer to the community. Having moved to a spot just blocks east of its former location, the large store invites shoppers to browse the new layout. 

The expanded space gives room for more of everything—more bulk goods, a larger deli, a meat counter with a butchering space behind it, more culturally diverse offerings and special diet items, including an expanded selection of gluten-free French toast sticks, donuts, muffins, and waffles.  

“This co-op is here to provide the goods and services the membership wants,” says employee James Schweser. Schweser cited the variety of locally produced food, from eggs and cheeses to vegetables and grains, as his favorite offerings in the store. 

However, not everyone is able to take advantage of the fresh produce or expanded options. Jean, a local shopper who works at a non-profit, said the new goods cost too much for her to buy. “If somebody’s really poor, they’re not welcome here,” Jean says. She feels that the prices are too high for those with a limited income. Jean comes to the co-op because she likes to stock up on the store specials, but buys the bulk of her groceries elsewhere. 

“I believe in it and want to support it,” Jean adds, stating that careful shopping can help those who want to support the co-op but have strained budgets. 

The prices are higher, but the food is better, according to Co-op member Brad, who does 90 percent of his grocery shopping at Seward. “I like to support the community,” he says. Because Brad prefers the small size of co-ops, the new store is still an adjustment for him, though he acknowledges that the larger store is still much smaller than a Rainbow or Cub.  

The transition was generally successful if not perfect, according to store employees and customers. There was some confusion when aisle signs weren’t immediately available, but employee Erin Shaw estimated that 180 new members joined in the first two weeks after the store re-opened. Sales were so high, said Schweser, that it was difficult to keep goods on the shelf for the first week. 

Co-op shopper Julie stopped at the store to buy organic eggs but ended up with several other items in her basket. For Julie, the prices of the co-op are “comparable.” She finds the co-op cheaper than Lunds, though still more expensive than Aldi. The availability of Organic and local goods matters, she said, adding that she intends to become a member.  

For students and community members looking to shop local and organic, expect higher bills in addition to the warm feelings that shopping consciously brings. For those looking for specialty items, such as foods for special diets, the co-op offers a generous selection and can actually be cheaper than chain grocery stores such as Rainbow.