This social enterprise in The Gap has supplied affordable, certified organic produce and groceries for the past ten years, a decade-long commitment that has earned the support and admiration of the community it serves.
“Organic food is Good for you, the farmers and the planet.” – The Gap LOCO
“The Gap LOCO provides only certified organic food unlike other suppliers who use terms like “spray free”. Without certification, you have no certainty that the food you are buying is really organic and grown on soil that is tested for residues. Support farmers who are willing to be inspected by independent bodies,” co-founder Michelle Peile said.
Founders Colin and Michelle Peile were running a small organic buying group since 2004. Building on the buying group and in consultation with their customers, the pair developed a new style of business that is based on cooperation and a concern for the community and the environment. Aware of the prevalence of ‘organic’ products and the shortage of affordable and ‘certified’ ones in the market, The Gap LOCO concept.
Shortly thereafter, the buying group began recruiting workers in the co-op and other people who would eventually serve as the support group to help in the development and implementation of the business concept.
And so in January 2013, the new co-op started with Deb Leigh, Colln, Michelle, Kate Donnely and Monique Filet as workers. Camille joined them in 2014.
Months later, they became a formally registered worker cooperative with the Queensland Department of Fair Trading. In 2014, the co-op found a home in the SOWN Environment Centre Sheda shed at Yoorala Street but had to move out after four years following SWON relinquishing their lease on the BCC-owned property. The Gap LOCO relocated to its new home and has been there since.
Currently, The Gap LOCO is run by seven part-time workers: Cille, Colin, James, Kerry, Leslie, Michelle and Tallulah.
One thing has been unchanged through the years: their commitment to providing certified organic produce and groceries. That means regular soils test and inspections by certifying bodies to make sure that their produce and products are up to organic practices standards.
The Gap LOCO also offers home delivery services and has a pop-up shop on Mondays in an Oakleigh Scouts shed between 13 and 17 High Street in Ashgrove.
Their delivery service is available in Ashgrove, Bardon, Enoggerra, Ferny Grove, Ferny Hills, Keperra, Kelvin Grove, Gaythorne, Mitchelton, Red Hill, Paddington, Milton, The Gap and Toowong.
For orders, email them at thegaploco@gmail.com or visit their website.
