You may have heard of a food co-op, but have no idea what one is exactly (other than it can save you money), how they are typically run, and why you should join one in your area. In this post, I will discuss what a food co-op is and why you should join one for not only money savings, but great local support as well.
What is a Food Co-Op and Why You Should Join One
A food co-op is a local place to buy groceries directly from the farmers and makers of local products. It is somewhat like a farmer’s market indoors with one big difference; the food co-op negotiates for low prices for the public to buy them at a reduced rate. Generally, food co-ops are run by local volunteers and a board of members. They are not usually open directly to the public, but you must agree to pay a fee to join, often yearly as well as donate some time on a regular basis to running the store stocking shelves or working the register. The fees and non-paid workers are what keep prices low for all members.
So how can you save money by joining a Co-Op and what are the benefits to membership? Here are some of the best reasons to join one:
You will get quality products. This is the perfect place to shop if you are looking to support sustainable farming, shop for organic food and want to get to know what is in your area and locally produced. You will get fresh from farm products without having to go to the farm to get them.
You will save cash. Typically, the same food that is sold in supermarkets who allow local farmers to sell their goods on the shelves is discounted as much as 50% in co-ops because it is bought with a negotiation. Even if you only save 10-20%, it is still a great deal.
You may get extra benefits like notice of sales, great bulk buys, and even stuff like childcare. Some co-ops have a childcare option for the members while they are volunteering their time or even for when they are shopping at no cost! Sometimes, the co-op is able to negotiate a great deal on a bulk buy, and they pass on the savings to the members.
You will get to try a variety of goods. The nature of a co-op is it is ever changing. While there are some staples there, often what is in season is what dictates what is available in store. This means you will always know you are getting the very best price as well as getting the opportunity to keep trying new foods throughout the year.
You will make friends. Co-ops are a great way to get to know like-minded people in your area. This can especially be a good thing if you are new to a city or town.
You are supporting local farmers and businesses. This is good for all of us. It keeps money local as well as creating a more sustainable environment.
You have more control over what is available. Because the board that runs the co-op is concerned heavily with what the members want and is often member-run, you have a great deal of say in what they decide to stock on their shelves.
Looking for more ways to save on fresh or organic foods? Here are some more tips:
- 10 Ways to Save on Organic Food
- Tips for Beating Rising Food Costs
- How to Buy Whole Foods When you are on a Limited Budget
Do you belong to a co-op?
Leave a Reply