WHEN TWO BECOME ONE: Just Local Food Cooperative and the Menomonie Market Food Co-op recently announced their plans to merge, pending on approval from owners in late August. (Submitted photos)

Some of the best relationships are formed over a mutual love of food, and that's precisely the case in the new merger between two area food cooperatives. 

Menomonie Market Food Co-op and Just Local Food Cooperative announced this week that both boards have signed an agreement to merge the two co-ops under the unified name: The Menomonie Market Food Co-op.

Owners at both cooperatives will have the opportunity to vote on the merger beginning on Aug. 29 through Sept. 11, according to a media release. Approval by at least 2/3 of voting owners is required to move forward with the merger. 

Both co-ops are looking for new ways to face growing competition in the Chippewa Valley, according to the media release, and look to build a stronger local food system – together. 

"I am so excited about this next phase of engaging our 4,500 owners across the Chippewa Valley to participate in this decision," said Crystal Halvorson, general manager of MMFC and interim general manager of JLF. "That is democracy in action and is completely unique among businesses in the U.S." 

Combined, Just Local Food Co-op and Menomonie Market Food Co-op have 64 years of experience in "cooperation, deep community roots, and good, local food," according to the release. 

More information on the merger – and additional resources detailing precisely how the merger will work, and how to vote as an owner – are available at www.mmfc.coop/merger.