Cooperatives in the Twin Cities

Abstract

This chapter discusses the Twin Cities' (Minneapolis–Saint Paul) food co-operatives. Many of these co-ops practiced participatory democracy through discussions, making decisions collectively, relying on workers' collectives, and refusing to incorporate. The Twin Cities food co-ops of the 1970s were inspired by the New Left, and since the New Left has meant many things, it is difficult to assess its impact. The co-op wars in the Twin Cities had reflected ideological differences among Marxist-Leninists, so-called hippies, and other groups. One of the most divisive issues the co-ops faced was regarding food selection: whether to sell canned goods, which they claimed was requested by the working-class; or natural and organic foods, disparagingly considered the food choice of hippies. These issues of control, albeit ideological, have resulted in physical violence, arson, insults, and co-op takeovers.