*Celebrate with the Tacoma Food Co-op on July 19* Do you have a hunger for fresh, local, affordable food? Come celebrate the evolution of the Tacoma Food Co-op from 4-9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at People's Park, South 9th & Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Efforts for creating a food cooperative in Tacoma began in the fall of 2006 with a meeting of just 12 people. There is now a mailing list of more than 600 people, and, the big news: as of June 26, the Tacoma Food Co-op is officially incorporated. *The July 19 event is your chance to:* - Learn about progress the Tacoma Food Co-op has made. - Discover what's next for the co-op. - Find out how to become a member. - Mingle with local farmers, musicians, restaurants, businesses and community organizations who share a common goal of providing healthy, affordable and fresh food for the residents of Tacoma. Confirmed speakers include Tacoma poet laureate Willian Kupinse and community activist Julio Quan. Restaurants and farmers slated to showcase their wares include: Herban Café, Woody's on the Water, Bombay Bistro, Quickie Too, Terry's Berries, Zestful Gardens, Puget Sound Meat Producers Co-op/Cheryl the Pig Lady and others. Other activities include South Sound Healers Network with children's activities, Second Cycle with bike repairs, Best Loved Baby, the Tacoma and Pierce County Libraries … and more! *Help make this a sustainable event:* - Spread the word via e-mail, radio, blogs, Web sites and your own community events. - Bring a reusable bag, cup, mug, plate and silverware to the event. - Bring your checkbook to support and take ownership in the start-up of the Tacoma Food Cooperative. - Arrive by bus, bike, on foot or via carpool. For more information, call (253) 272-8819, ext. 109, or e-mail tacomafoodcoop@gmail.com.