The Cultivate Community Food Co-op will be hosting a free screening of the documentary “Food for Change” at the Capitol in June. (Kevin denton/File photo)

The Cultivate Community Food Co-op will host a free movie screening of “Food for Change” on Thursday, June 15. The event will be hosted at the Benicia State Capitol building on First Street from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There will be a panel discussion and community open forum before the film shows, a raffle and other family friendly events after the screening.
“Food For Change” documents the story of the food cooperation movement that started during the Great Depression and now has become an essential part of communities all over the country.
“This movie tells the story about how co-ops can inspire and build communities,” Paula Schnese, founder of Cultivate Community Food Co-op, said. “We need a brick and mortar grocer dedicated to providing high-quality, locally-sourced products. It’s good for our community, it’s good for our bodies, and we’re hoping that this film will inspire more interest and participation.”
Shenese, along with Kim Barragan, helped organize this Food Co-Op movie screening. When Schnese moved to Benicia four years ago, she said she was excited to check out what the community had to offer in terms of local food. She was surprised there were little options in Benicia produce besides the two nationally owned chain grocery stores in town. After a time in Benicia, Schnese moved to Richmond and then started buying local produce in Berkeley. She began to wonder why Benicia had few options when it came to local food. Schnese then started reaching out to the Benicia Community Gardens, and they invited her to speak at an an event.
In January of 2016, Schnese attended a Benicia Community Gardens meeting where the idea of a Food Co-Op first came into conversation. After that meeting, Schnese began to organize a Food Co-Op for Benicia. One of Schnese’s missions in life now has been to educate the public about Food Co-Ops.
“The main thing about Food Co-Ops is owner membership,” Schnese said.“So right now we have been really community building and getting people behind this idea.”
The Cultivate Community Food Co-Op Facebook page has about 1,000 Likes, and the group also has a mailing list of about 700 people.
“We changed our name from the Benicia-Vallejo Food Co-Op to the Cultivate Community Food Co-Op,” Schnese said. “We really want to incorporate both communities, not just have it as Benicia or have it not in Vallejo either.”
The Cultivate Community Food Co-Op invites people to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the movie. Those who attend the event are encouraged to try Dianna’s Bakery and Cafe-Deli where 10 percent of the restaurant’s profits that night will go to the Cultivate Community Food Co-op.
“If you want a food co-op in our area, come to this movie,” Schnese said. “Let’s build this together.”

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