Mid-Michigan Dining

LOVE YOUR CO-OP? SHOW IT! ELFCO JOINS CO-OPS NATIONWIDE FOR
“MY CO-OP ROCKS” VIDEO CONTEST

Co-ops across the nation encourage co-op fans to submit short videos
and compete for nearly $3,500 in prizes

East Lansing, Michigan:
Lights, camera…arugula! This spring in partnership with National
Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), the East Lansing Food Co-op
(ELFCO) invites shoppers to submit short, up-to-2-minute videos in the My
Co-op Rocks Video Contest, a nationwide contest where co-op fans get to
share the reasons their co-op rocks. Submissions will be accepted online
beginning March 1 at http://www.MyCoopRocks.coop with $3,500 in prizes to be
awarded to the nation’s best videos in “people’s choice” and “judges’
choice” categories.

My Co-op Rocks Video Contest is the first food cooperative contest that
asks shoppers across the country to share their favorite co-op moments,
memories and stories online. ELFCO and NCGA are hosting the contest in
celebration of all the qualities and quirks that make co ops integral
parts of communities.

“No matter the times or economic environment, our shoppers remain
passionate about ELFCO,” said Dave Finet, General Manager. “This contest
provides an opportunity for shoppers to tell us in their own words all the
things they love about their co-op.”

Whether shooting with a cell phone or in high-definition digital video,
all skill levels are welcome to shoot, edit and submit their “Top 10”
video or create a video with an original co-op-related theme. Participants
are encouraged to unleash their sense of humor and creativity. If
participants wish to film at the co-op, please contact ELFCO for more
information.

Once posted, videos will be viewed and voted on by the general public with
prizes awarded to the top three “people’s choice” entries. A panel of
judges will also score entries based on creativity, theme, and overall
appeal, with prizes awarded to the top three “judges’ choice” entries. The
deadline for submissions and online voting is 11:59 p.m. CST on April 17.

Suggested themes include:
• Top 10 reasons I love my co-op
• Top 10 foods at the co-op
• Top 10 funniest sights at my co-op
• Top 10 ways to get a date at the co-op
• Top 10 reasons to become a co-op member
• Top 10 reasons why shopping at a co-op is just better

Prizes to be awarded include MacBooks, $500 gift cards to an NCGA member
co-op, and digital video cameras.

For the official rules or to enter the contest, visit http://www.MyCoopRocks.coop.

About ELFCO
East Lansing Food Co-op started in 1976 as a buying club for local people
who wanted healthy and organic food. Soon after, it opened a cooperatively
owned grocery storefront in East Lansing. Over the years, it has expanded
into a store that is owned by over 2200 people in our community.

Our purpose is to provide access to healthy foods to our community while
helping build the area’s economy by buying primarily local produce and
other products, supporting environmental sustainability and social justice
by buying organic, fairly traded food and products. Your shopping dollars
directly support a local, member-owned venture and, in turn, numerous
other local businesses whose products we offer.

East Lansing Food Co-op is a natural food grocery offering organic
produce, milk and meats. We have a wide selection of frozen food, bulk
items, coffees and teas, spices, and wholesome packaged and convenience
foods from our deli, and more. Our health and body care department offers
vitamins, herbs and other supplements. We also carry many hard-to-find
items for special dietary needs.

Everyone is welcome to shop at the co-op. Those who become owners enjoy
numerous options for involvement and for saving money. Visit our co-op to
learn more about the benefits of membership. We look forward to your
visit.

For more information, please visit http://www.elfco.coop .