Latest Co-op News...
Welcome to the Purple Porch Cooperative (PPC), Michiana's online local food cooperative. The PPC serves as a way for local farmers and consumers to stay connected all year long.
Want to join? Get information here, and start a free 2 week trial membership!
Here's how it works:
- Members order products from our producers on this site during a shopping "window" that begins on Friday at about 2:30 pm and ends on Monday at noon.
- Members then pick up and pay for their orders on Wednesday (5:15 pm - 7:00 pm) of that week at Good Shepherd Montessori School (map).
- There is an annual fee of $35.
This is a Cooperative that is completely dependent on volunteer efforts. We are very encouraging of people to become Voting Members. We ask that Voting Members (in addition to the annual $35 fee) volunteer six times during the year. There will be many opportunities to volunteer - mainly during the food distribution times on Wednesday. But if that doesn't work, we will have a job for you. More information to come.
Need to pay your membership fee? Please pay when you come to the distribution site. Or just have a question? Find our mailing address, and email addresses, on the Contact Us page.
NOTE: Unless specifically identified as "Certified Organic", the use of the term "organic" on this web site is meant to describe food grown with organic methods (but non-certified) and products with ingredients that were grown with organic methods (non-certified) and/or ingredients that are certified organic.
The Bottom Line
Know Your Farmer
The key to a sustainable food system in Michiana is the participation of local consumers. It's ultimately up to you to take responsibility for where your food comes from; educate yourself about the issues surrounding modern agriculture and don't be afraid to ask questions when you shop. Farmers who are as concerned about the food system as you are appreciate it.
All the farmers, restaurants and other producers on this website are local — that is, they're located in Michiana (within a 60 mile radius of South Bend). Beyond that, the farmers on this site practice a wide variety of agricultural methods ranging from conventional to Certified Organic farming. You should acquaint yourself with each producer so you know what type of product you're purchasing. They all have descriptions of their practices and products on this site.
We encourage you to educate yourself on the issues involved in modern farming and local food systems. We've provided some information on this site.
We believe the best hope for building a healthy, humane, local food system lies with an educated consumer. Happy shopping!
