At Maison Orphée, we strongly believe in supporting local shopping and advocating for healthy, sustainable eating. That’s why we’re proud to partner with inspiring initiatives like those from Coop CAUS.
Today, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Tracey Arial, cofounder of CAUS, who gives us an inside look at this fantastic collective journey and our partnership centered around buying local.
1. What is Coop CAUS, and what’s its main mission?
Coop CAUS is a non-profit solidarity cooperative based in Montreal, currently serving a community of over 1,100 members. Since 2013, we’ve been on a mission to make local, organic, and sustainable non-perishable foods affordable and accessible.
2. How did the idea for Coop CAUS come about?
The idea behind Coop CAUS was sparked by our desire to put local shopping in the spotlight. We saw a genuine need to create a space where people could come together to share their love for cooking while celebrating our local producers.
3. What are your main projects and activities?
Over the years, we’ve developed several projects, including farmers’ markets for local products and a discount program for our members.
In 2022, we launched Multi-CAUS, a year-round market in Verdun, that not only offers local goods but also hosts movie nights, cooking workshops, and classes in photography and yoga. We’ve also embraced the zero-waste concept, providing refill stations for essentials like soap, toothpaste, and spices.
Urban agriculture is also a big part of what we do, with community gardens, aquaponics, and composting initiatives that support the community and help shrink our ecological footprint. We believe this plays a key role in food security for residents and strengthens the resilience of our neighbourhood.
Lastly, we set up a food bank, now run by about a hundred volunteers who work tirelessly, especially since the closure of Panier Bleu’s activities.
4. How do you support local producers in Quebec?
We provide them with prime exposure in our market, ensuring fair prices for both the producers and the consumers. We also create opportunities for these producers to connect directly with the community, boosting their visibility and impact.
5. In your opinion, what values do Coop CAUS and Maison Orphée share?
Maison Orphée and we are both driven by a deep passion for local shopping, sustainability, and supporting our local economy. We both believe in offering high-quality products while staying true to our ethical and environmental principles.
6. How long have you been collaborating with us, at Maison Orphée, and what products do you offer?
Our partnership with Maison Orphée kicked off in 2022, and since then, several of your products have made their way onto our shelves, including your extra virgin olive oils and their mayonnaise. The vegan mayo, in particular, has become a big favourite among our members!
7. Any books you’d recommend?
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan is a must-read for anyone interested in where our food comes from and the impact of our food choices. On the other hand, Le jardinier-maraîcher by Jean-Martin Fortier is a practical and inspiring guide, ideal for those eager to delve into the world of organic farming. Just a heads up, though — it’s only available in French.
To stay updated on Coop CAUS, check out their Facebook or Instagram pages.