The Phoenix Food Co-op, the city’s first cooperative grocer, will host the Seeding Our Harvest: Festival of Learning & Community this weekend.

The free event celebrates local food, cooperative businesses, and community. The festival goes from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Ave.

The Co-op will launch its membership drive and accept donations aimed at bringing the first brick-and-mortar cooperative grocery store to Phoenix.

“Food co-ops are more than just grocery stores,” Phoenix Food Co-op Board President Dionne Washington shared in a press release. “They’re community hubs where people come together to support local farmers and producers, access healthy and affordable food, and experience sustainable food systems. Co-op membership is a great way to invest in your community and create a more equitable food system for everyone.”

Seeding Our Harvest is free and includes food samples from local growers and the Co-op’s vendor partners, entertainment from local groups, family-friendly educational activities and prizes, and information about food cooperatives and how to become a member.

Memberships cost $100 for a lifetime, with lower payment options available for individuals for whom $100 would be a financial burden.

Visit phxfood.coop.