2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104818D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 202

Offered March 2, 2026

Commending the Roanoke Co+op.

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Patrons—Rasoul, Anthony and Hayes; Senator: Suetterlein

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WHEREAS, the Roanoke Co+op, the largest cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store in Southwest Virginia, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Co+op was incorporated in 1975 to provide the residents of Roanoke with nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products while supporting sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses, and the wider Roanoke community; and

WHEREAS, as a cooperative, the Roanoke Co+op is owned by its more than 6,000 members and is operated by an elected board of directors; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Co+op has grown to two locations and become an invaluable source for natural and organic foods and products in the Roanoke Valley region; and

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Co+op, with support from the Local Environmental Agriculture Project, participates in the Virginia Fresh Match initiative, allowing shoppers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to double the value of their dollars spent on fruits and vegetables and to better afford healthy food choices; and

WHEREAS, each year, the Roanoke Co+op organizes its Change! for the Community outreach program, in which customers have the opportunity to round up their change when purchasing their groceries to support nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families in Roanoke and Southwest Virginia; and

WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to the customers and community it serves, the Roanoke Co+op has helped to make Roanoke a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Roanoke Co+op on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the owners of the Roanoke Co+op as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its contributions to Roanoke and the Commonwealth.