First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op History
First Alternative was founded in 1970 by a diverse group of concerned citizens and Oregon State University students. They were committed to offering education for people who wanted to adopt healthier lifestyles, and to provide the community with a source of high quality, nutritious foods at the lowest possible prices. To this day, we continue to strive to be a cooperative model, providing natural and organic food in community-oriented stores.
FIRST ALTERNATIVE HISTORY TIMELINE
1969
Starting Out With An Idea
1970
First Alternative Co-op Opens
1972
1975
1982
1985
1992
1999
2001
2003
2006
2010
2014
2020
50 Years Of Cooperation
In 2020, the Co-op turned 50, but celebration plans had to be set aside as the COVID-19 pandemic surged. The store and its customers made major adjustments to ensure the community could access food as safely as possible. Our community rallied together and experienced a renewed appreciation for the awesome staff at First Alternative Co-op.