Food Co-op

I love farmers markets. Other than growing your own food, and buying directly from a farmer this is the best way to get extremely great produce. Farmers markets seem to be popping up all over and this is good, although, not every city has a Farmers market.

What other choices do we have to buy excellent organic produce?

Food Co-ops!

What is a food co-op?

In simplest terms, a food co-op is a co-op that buys food and household items for its members. The co-op helps members obtain access to products of desired quality at the best possible price. Food co-ops offer consumers a retail environment free of coercive sales influences and with full disclosure of product qualities and value.

Food co-ops typically operate out of retail facilities. Most are open to anyone who wishes to shop there, though they may provide special services, prices, or benefits to members only. Food co-ops may also offer a wide range of products and services aside from groceries, including pharmacies, dry cleaning, travel services, cooking and nutrition classes, housewares, food service and catering, gas stations, etc.

- From the Cooperative Grocers' Information Network

Lori and I used to buy our food from a Co-op when we lived in Milford, CT. The quality of the food was excellent, very fresh. This particular one was started in the owner's garage. The food is distributed at the same time as the grocery stores, and it would be delivered right to the owners house, everyone who belonged would pick it up there.

The food comes in fresh, and doesn't sit around waiting to get stocked. The members place an order of what they want and how they want to split items with other members. The prices are great because everything is purchased in bulk.

Kind of like going to costco with a bunch of people and splitting up everything. This way you purchase in bulk but don't get stuck with 50lbs of tomatoes, or 300 rolls of toilet paper.

What No Co-op in your area?

Start your own Co-op

Happy Eating!