The Kootenay Co-op values community dialogue and empowerment through education about food, health, the environment and social justice. Each year, the Co-op offers one $1000 scholarship in support of our vision of thriving communities with resilient food systems, where all people have access to affordable food that is healthy for our bodies, our communities and the Earth.

This year, however, we recognize how many have struggled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an attempt to ease that economic stress, we decided to offer not one, but two, $1000 Member Scholarships in 2020. Anna Yule (Food Services Production Supervisor at the Kootenay Co-op) and Indigo Bowick (LVR Grad) were chosen from more than 20 applicants and will each receive a $1000 scholarship this year. The second runner-up, Gretchen Lewandowski will also receive a $100 Kootenay Co-op gift card as gratitude for the good work we know she will do in her future.