Co-op's those funny looking grocery stores that sometimes consist of strangely/uniquely dressed patrons/members, a plethora of choices in produce, bulk amounts of everyday (and not so everyday) items allowing you to buy only what you need, and a mix of unique sounding brands for seemingly other-worldly foods. Co-ops place a high priority on environmentally friendly practice and products with connections direct with local farmers in most cases. While you might not find a 100% selection of organic food items, be sure if your co-op has a mission that benefits their patrons all your fresh items will be labeled as local, organic, conventional, or fair trade.
My own local co-ops (as I think most do) consist of a locally appointed board made up of active members within the community and within the co-op sub-community. Membership gives access similar to being a co-owner or like that of buying stock within the company and can be more rewarding than just the wonderfully fresh produce with dividends returned on a yearly basis based off your own commitment/patronage to the co-op community; though not all co-ops have this type of membership.
Cooperatives are not new. Historical records will suggest that the first co-op was formed in Scotland in 1761 and became popular with the Co-operative movement in 1844 which inspired the formation of financial co-operatives such as credit unions. While co-ops do not require a membership to shop there are additional advantages to joining than the possibility of a monetary kick back and exceptionally good food, co-ops as part of their mission offer community based classes in a variety of subjects.
Classes range from inner personal work like meditation to cooking classes, but also farm tours, health and nutrition, along with quarterly news letters that contain interesting and educational articles, and a connection to your community and your local food source that is lost in the big box/chain grocery stores.
Find a co-op near you with either of these great pages:
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