Consistency is Key, Especially in the Food Scene

food consistency

Consistency is key.

The first thing people usually learn about Urban Recipe food co-ops is that they meet every two weeks, no matter the season. In a world where so much is unpredictable, our members know they can count on us.

Consistency in food security is more than just having food on the table. It also means repeated options and choices. When co-op members come to Urban Recipe, we aim to provide them with half the food they may need in the next two weeks. While the exact items may vary, families know they can count on receiving staples like grains, canned vegetables, fresh produce, and frozen protein. One week those canned vegetables may be corn and green beans, while the next is sweet potatoes and tomatoes, but families can come to rely on the consistency of dietary fibers and other nutrition through the co-op. 

consistent free protein

The importance of choice

At home during the summer, kids are not only looking for food, they are looking for choices. How often do we hear, ‘I’m hungry!’ – only for a child to turn down a banana in favor of an apple? Choice is part of feeling secure. Our co-op members, though food insecure, are also raising children who long for choice and options, just like any other child would.

Food security looks like having the ability to offer different types of cereal to your kids, giving them a choice between more than one afternoon snack, and encouraging them to eat multiple types of fresh veggies. 

In the summer months, we have been able to load up on fresh, Georgia-grown produce for our co-op families. We do our best to give more snack options as well, as kids, already out of their school routines, seek consistency in other ways, like food and snacks. 

As food prices rise, we are working hard to continue to provide consistent options to our families. Let’s look at a quick snapshot of food families received earlier this summer:

Snapshot of food that co-op member receive

A small family took home the following items, and the quantity doubled for a medium family (4-7 residents) or tripled for a large family (8+ residents). *

CategoryThis Summer ($93 value)Six Months Ago ($98 value)
Canned Protein2 cans ranchero-style beans2 cans baked beans
2 cans veggie chili
Canned Vegetables2 cans assorted veggies2 cans sweet peas
GrainsCorn bread mix
Jasmine Rice
Pasta
Assorted box of cereal
Ramen noodles
Pancake mix
Taco shells
Whole wheat spaghetti
Cereal cups
Ramen noodles
Snacks/BeveragesAlmond Milk
Granola Bars
Chips
Fruit Roll Ups
Cranberry ginger al
Peppermint almonds
Fiesta Twists
Frozen Protein10 lbs chicken thighs/quarters
5 lbs seasoned beef
Bagged frozen fish sticks
Hot Dogs
Frozen Sides/Breads/EntreesFrozen pizza
Frozen rolls
Frozen focaccia bread
Bulgogi entree bowls
Frozen raspberry twist danish
Fresh ProduceCorn
Tomatoes
Kale
Sweet Potatoes
Peppers
Greens
Onions
Potatoes
Extra Choice ItemsAssorted items (hygiene, bulk food, chocolates, etc)Assorted items (cleaning supplies, calendars, extra snack food)

*Some items, such as produce, do not increase based on family size and on co-op attendance that particular week.

st. anne's food co-op

In the Urban Recipe food co-op model, we emphasize consistency and choice. While we source our food primarily from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, we also rely on other partners like Second Helpings, The Common Market, Midwest Food Bank, and Concrete Jungle to allow variety and options for our families. 

Co-op members have consistency at Urban Recipe in more than just food options. They consistently show up, every two weeks, to volunteer their time. Their community is consistent. Their elected leadership is consistent. In this way, strong relationships can grow, because they are built on consistency. At Urban Recipe, we work to prioritize consistency for our families, one co-op at a time.

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