A food co-op is a collectively owned grocery store. Most frequently, a food co-op focuses on making natural foods more affordable for co-op members, although other products may be carried as well. There are a number of different styles of food co-op, but all of them share common values of group management and decision making, social responsibility, and equality. Towns of all sizes have food co-ops ranging from very small to quite large, and it is usually easy to find a food co-op near you.

In a private food co-op, only members may shop at the store. In order to become a member, someone pays a small initiation fee and usually invests a set amount of money in the food co-op to purchase a share. Some food co-ops allow members to purchase multiple shares, or require an annual fee, which causes long term members of the food co-op to own more shares. In some cases, members also join work crews, contributing a few hours of work to the running of the co-op. The frequency and duration of work shifts varies from co-op to co-op.

In an open food co-op, anyone may shop at the store, but only members receive discounted prices. Anyone may join the co-op, often receiving benefits on the day that he or she joins. The prices for non-members at an open food co-op can vary widely, but they are often lower than other retail stores in the area, to encourage people to shop at the co-op even if they cannot join.

Members of a food co-op are able to vote on issues which are relevant for the co-op. For example, members may decide that the food co-op should stock only organic products. They may also have an influence on hiring decisions, remodeling, and other management issues. Because coordinating a big group of people can be challenging, a food co-op encourages cooperation, support, and honesty.

In many cases, a food co-op offers reduced fees to people of low income, or allows people to trade work for membership. The goal is to create a community grocery store with a cooperative ethic. The store offers low prices on goods because it tends to have lower overhead, since members work for free. A food co-op may also offer classes and community event space, along with a newsletter for members with information about the co-op and regional events.

If you are interested in finding a food co-op in your area, try checking with a natural foods store. The store may already be a co-op, or it might be able to refer you to one. If you have having difficulty, try searching for “food co-op” and your city in your favorite search engine.