We aim to bring a student run food cooperative to The George Washington University campus. Imagine… A place where you can get a $5 sandwich and become a leader in your food system. Mission We will empower students to become leaders in sustainable food and small business through inclusive and democratic decision-making. Students will gain the tools needed to make smart nutritious food choices. We will operate a cooperative cafe that promotes community-building and environmental responsibility. Values The GW Student Food Co-Op will operate with these values and actions: Ethical Food: Create an ethical food system through community-based, fair, ecologically sound and humane food as defined by the Real Food Guidelines Inclusive Empowerment: Insure broad participation by creating systems to engage all of the GW community, from consumers and career organizers in paths of longterm growth and leadership Cooperative Economics: Exemplify the financial power of equitably and ethically pooled resources through operating cooperatively according to the ICA principles Sustainable Action and Advocacy: Implement action plans that sustain and grow themselves Movement or Mission Focused Strategy: Support collaboration by focusing on network driven strategies that utilize all resources and benefit all stakeholders Goals 1. To supply nutritious food that will in turn make GW students more efficient, healthier, and successful in the classroom and beyond 2. To encourage education on sustainable food practices and consumer purchasing power 3. To provide a business platform for student-led management and community-oriented work forces 4. To create a closed circuit of production and consumption on campus 5. To offer an interdisciplinary learning and gathering space for students and community members