When a 1,300-outlet Chinese fast-food chain, announced plans to open a branch on the campus of the University of California-Berkeley, a group of students protested (not surprisingly, given that their city is the heart of all things local/seasonal/organic). What is surprising is that the students not only defeated the chain but also took their victory one step further by raising $100,000 to replace the proposed Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Kung Pao Chicken joint with a student-run co-op carrying fresh, local, healthy, sustainable, and fairly produced food that would be sold at affordable prices.
Youthful naiveté? Think again. After two and a half years of planning, the Berkeley Student Food Collective opened late last year. According to Yoni Landau, one of the organizers, the collective resembles any small convenience store or market, featuring grocery items and prepared sandwiches that harried students can grab on their way to or from classes. Prices are kept affordable with the help of volunteer employees.
