When you shop at the grocery store, how much do you read labels to avoid: partially hydrogenated oils/trans fats, canned foods with high fructose and corn syrup or white flour? And do you wonder about your store's profit margins, and how much of your money goes to corporate chiefs and stockholders?

Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Market is aco-op that offers consumers a chance to shop knowing that there are no trans fats or artificial ingredients in their two-story "green-powered" building. It's a vegetarian store owned by some 12,000 "member-owners," a number that grows by roughly 100 a month. Non-members can shop anytime, but member-owners pay 10 percent less.

The OB Food co-op.

Courtesy photo

Marketing director Amber Forest McHale says members live all over the county, andthere is an ongoing search to open a second co-op, since the only other one in the area.

In offering "primarily organic, minimally processed, vegetarian and cruelty-free foods and products," says McHale,"we've stayed true to our mission since 1971" He notes that co-ops are democratic enterprises that offer members a chance to participate in the direction the business takes. He says the missionis to help people live in ways that promote ecological sustainability and promote personal health and well being.

She points out: "The profits we make go back in the business, keeping prices as low as possible while paying our employees a fair wage and health benefits. We also contribute to the community with food and monetary donations and educational outreach services."

Sure, but does the food taste any good?

"Our ice cream and dairy-free ice cream section rocks!" McHale beams. "Our deli food is phenomenal, having been featured three times on The Union-Tribune's food section this year, twice on the cover page."

Otherwise, shoppers will find a full rennet-less dairy section (rennet is from the fourth stomach of certain animals), significant cosmetics and vitamin sections, bulk items (from brown rice flour to granola) and the ability to bring your own empty containers to fill with shampoo, sunflower oil, peanut butter (that you grind fresh), honey and other items.

The co-op opened its current building in the summer of 2002. San Diego Gas & Electric awarded the co-op with an energy efficient design designation from their "Savings By Design" program, after exceeding California Title 24 minimum standards by 36 percent.

The co-op offers a constant and wide variety of classes and eventsaimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. It has beach clean-up parties, advises on ways to control sugar cravings and has live music Friday nights in the upstairs deli.