About
The main principle behind all community run food co-ops is that by pooling their buying power and ordering food in bulk direct from suppliers, a group of people can buy good food at a more affordable price.
Check out our Food Co-op map to find a food co-op near you.
Check out our Food Co-op toolkit to set up your own food co-op.
Food co-ops, food buying groups, food clubs and food groups are terms that are used interchangeably to describe a food outlet that is run on a not-for-profit basis to give people access to good food at affordable prices. We have used the term ‘co-op’ because it implies co-operation which is all about people working together to achieve something they couldn’t do on their own.
It is worth noting that although the term food co-op is commonly used, you will need to have a formal membership structure to be officially deemed a ‘co-operative’. See Co-operatives UK for further information.
Food co-ops: Building a network of community food co-ops and food buying groups across the UK to help new groups get off the ground and existing groups to thrive.
