After finding herself with a diagnosis with few treatment options, Melanie Shellito found she could support her health by eating more whole foods. Her journey to the local farmers market eventually landed her on the board of a developing food cooperative. Melanie explores the cooperative business model as a tool for empowering communities, and the revolutionary impact it can have on local economies. Melanie Shellito graduated from IWU in 1992 with a degree in design. Her award-winning marketing/branding company, Artezen LLC, focuses on helping 'positive impact' companies grow and improve our world. Melanie spent five years working with other volunteers to build a food co-op in her community — which opened May 2017 — and is currently serving her second term on the co-op's board. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx