For almost ten years now, some Richmonders have been getting organic pre-packaged foods and goods through the Earthlings Organic Food Cooperative, which has been based in Oregon Hill. The cooperative name sounds impressive but really its been more of a buying club with aspirations. Roughly once a month, Earthlings members order their buying selections through an internet website and then a truck from United Foods comes and delivers the cooperative’s order. For the last two years or so, the delivery site has been on Sundays on Linden Street near the William Byrd Community House gym, Grace Arents Community Garden, Byrd Market location. A scene from last week’s delivery:

Members help unload the truck and organize the delivery to their homes. Some orders are ‘splits’ which means a bulk order with members taking different portions from it. The idea is that this supports organic food choices, makes organic food more affordable, increases community involvement in food, lessens the carbon footprint, and offers a good alternative to traditional grocery shopping. Whether the idea works depends on having enough people involved to get a good-sized order with members volunteering. The aspects of internet grocery shopping are also part of the mix.

Personally, I would love to see the Earthlings concept get combined in some way with the Byrd Market and local CSA’s for fresh produce, but coordinating deliveries is still problematic. In the meantime, the Earthlings coop is looking for new members. Please contact Mim Scalin at mim4art at gmail.com or Kathleen Travis at travis.kathleenc at gmail.com if you are interested. You don’t need to be an Oregon Hill resident to apply (but it doesn’t hurt, either).