Benefits of food co-ops

Food co-ops can have a wide range of benefits in addition to providing good food for you and your local community.

Health benefits

• Increases access to affordable fruit and vegetables and other healthy foods.
• Helps to raise awareness of the benefits of eating a healthy diet.
• Improves well-being in volunteers who often gain increased self esteem, confidence and a sense of purpose.

Environmental benefits

• If set up to do so, increases supply of local and organic produce.
• Easier for people to shop by foot or by bike by providing outlets in residential areas.
• Provides food that often has less packaging, and generates less waste.

Social benefits

• Engages local people in their community, which may then lead on to other activities.
• Acts as a focal point for local people to meet up and make new friends.
• Helps to revitalise community facilities.
• Provides a more sociable place to shop.

Economic benefits

• Helps to support local producers and more ethical suppliers by providing an outlet for their goods.
• Keep smoney circulating in the local economy.
• Offers volunteers new skills and work experience.

• halls or even have their own shops.