What Are Food Co-ops & How Do You Join One?

You may have heard the term 'co-op' before, but what exactly is a food cooperative? Owned by people, not corporations, food co-ops are impactful organizations that strengthen and nourish communities.

Food cooperatives, or co-ops, are grocery stores that are owned by the community rather than by private or public companies. They are not held accountable to corporate investors, unlike big supermarket chains. Anybody can join a co-op, including you! Because they are owned by locals, food co-ops’ production and distribution decisions are made while keeping the community in mind. This makes them more socially responsible, as they are focused largely on nourishing and improving the community. Community building is achieved through the seven principles of cooperatives. These include voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community.

Food co-ops have solid relationships with local farmers, small businesses, and consumers alike. They provide fresh, organic, and natural foods for all shoppers, whether they are invested in the cooperative or not. Still, there are many benefits of joining your local food co-op. 

Benefits of Joining a Food Co-Op

• Financial Rewards: As a member of a cooperative, you are often eligible for special discounts and coupons. You will also earn a small share of the co-ops profits through patronage dividends. 
• Support Local Businesses: Joining and shopping at food co-ops is beneficial for the local economy. Cooperatives support small, local businesses and farmers, which keeps the money in the community rather than benefiting outside shareholders and big corporations. 
• Have a Voice: Joining your local cooperative means you will be part of the democratic process in voting on production and distribution methods. You can take charge of where your food comes from, how it’s made, what is sold at your co-op, and more.
• Ecological Benefits: Food co-ops are very eco-friendly as they sell local produce and organic goods, which keeps the carbon footprint small. Food co-ops also advocate for a zero-waste lifestyle, offering loads of grains, nuts, and flours in bulk that you can fill into reusable containers. You can often find natural makeup, shampoo, cleaning tools, sanitizers, and more at your food co-op as well. Of course, you can reap these rewards without being a co-op member. But joining your co-operative will let you access all these environmentally conscious goods while helping you directly get involved with the community. 

Join a Food Co-Op Near You

Use this store locator to find a cooperative near you. Not all food co-ops are the same. Once you’ve located a food co-op in your area, head to the store and ask to talk to somebody about joining. There, you can learn all about your local co-op and what they have to offer. If you do decide to join, you must pay for your ownership. Typically, co-ops require a non-refundable joining fee, as well as a minimum investment contribution. Because this is an investment, if you decide to leave the co-op at any time, you will get the investment contribution back. 

Read more:

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• Too Good To Go: This App Helps You Fight Food Waste

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