Valley Market's Movie Series Continues at a Home Near You

The developing grocery cooperative in Staunton is making films from its Spring movie series available to its members for hosting home screenings.

Staunton, VA (www.valleymarket.org) -- Building on the idea of using films as a medium for community gathering and education, Valley Market is making the films from its Spring movie series available to its members for hosting home screenings.

As support for Valley Market continues to grow, their library of films centered on agriculture and community will continue to expand. By providing the hosts with literature about the selected film's topic, Valley Market hopes to increase the awareness of the issues represented and teach how implementing these changes can create a positive effect for our community, both locally and globally.

"In so many ways, by presenting this movie series, Valley Market was demonstrating its commitment to two of the cooperative principles; education and concern for the community," said Steven Cox, a Valley Market Core Group organizer. "From the content of the films, to the announcement of local initiatives to start community gardens, to the panel of local business owners and leaders, this series exemplified outreach to the community," said Cox. Based on the success of this first effort, Valley Market is busy planning future community events and increasing support for the development of the cooperative.

Held once a month, from February through May of 2008, the movies focused on community education across a wide range of issues. From insuring fair trade and fair prices for farmers both locally and abroad to promoting local businesses and improving community food security, the series addressed topics that are at the core mission of Valley Market, the developing grocery cooperative in downtown Staunton. All of the films were screened at The Dixie Theater, with crowds averaging over 50 people, and were free of charge for all guests.

About Valley Market:

Valley Market is a community-owned and democratically run business. We are an excited group of volunteers who are interested in making a difference in the health and well being of our community. Currently in the development stages, our vision is to open a retail natural food co-op emphasizing locally grown and produced food and products.

Contact:
Valley Cooperative Market, Inc.
P.O. Box 23
Staunton, VA 24402-0023
http://www.valleymarket.org

###