History of New Pioneer Food Co-op in Timeline

New Pioneer Food Co-op, or New Pi, is a food cooperative based in Iowa City, Iowa, where the National Cooperative Grocers Association is headquartered. New Pi operates stores in Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids, and maintains a production hub in North Liberty, Iowa. It is a locally owned cooperative, emphasizing community ownership and involvement in the food it provides.

1969: New Pioneer Food Co-op began as a bulk food buying club

In 1969, New Pioneer Food Co-op started as a bulk food buying club in an Iowa City community center.

1971: New Pioneer filed legal papers and opened a storefront

In 1971, New Pioneer filed legal papers and opened a storefront at 518 Bowery Street in Iowa City, in a building known as the Bowery Street Grocery Store.

1971: New Pioneer Founded

In 1971, New Pioneer was founded as a natural foods buying club, modeled after the Rochdale Principles.

1973: Co-op moved to the second floor of Vine Building

In 1973, the co-op moved to the second floor of Vine Building, at Prentiss and Gilbert Streets.

1977: Co-op moved again into a portion of a building

In 1977, the co-op moved again into a portion of a building at 22 S. Van Buren Street.

July 1982: Member-owner plan created

In July 1982, the current member–owner plan, calling for a one-time $60 investment for membership, was created.

1987: Co-op expanded to occupy the full building

In 1987, the co-op expanded to occupy the full building at 22 S. Van Buren Street.

1988: New Pioneer opened a store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

In 1988, New Pioneer opened a store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

1991: Cedar Rapids store closed

In 1991, the New Pioneer store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa closed.

1994: New Pioneer Food Co-op opened the hearth bread bakery Bakehouse

In 1994, New Pioneer Food Co-op opened the hearth bread bakery Bakehouse at First Avenue and Fifth Street in Coralville.

2001: Coralville store opened

In 2001, the Coralville store opened and soon faced financial struggles.

2004: Coralville store sales nearly matched the Iowa City location

By 2004, the Coralville store nearly matched the Iowa City location in sales.

2005: Co-op was free of debt

By 2005, the co-op was free of debt.

2007: Iowa City store was remodeled and had its equipment upgraded

In 2007, the Iowa City store was remodeled and had its equipment upgraded.

2014: New Pioneer Food Co-op opened its Cedar Rapids store

In 2014, New Pioneer Food Co-op opened its Cedar Rapids store.

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