TESA cofounders Brian Van Slyke and Andrew Stachiw are teaching a six-week course this fall at Greenfield Community College (GCC). “Creating a Cooperative Food Economy” will explore co-ops and their impact on the local food economy.
“We’re excited to get more people in the Pioneer Valley committed to building a better food system and a cooperative economy!” says Van Slyke.
Starting September 6, this one-credit course will meet Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 pm until October 18. There will be one field trip Sunday, September 30 from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The course is open to the public. You can learn more or register by visiting GCC’s course website.
Here is the full course description:
[This course] explores cooperative member-owned business models (co-ops) and their various forms of democratic ownership with a focus on the local food economy. Students form groups and receive mentorship in creating their own co-op enterprise with the goals of strengthening food security, sustainability, and/or food access. Interactive workshops and hands-on field trips to co-ops inform students’ understanding of the local food economy in the Pioneer Valley.
