What Is a Food Co-op? And Why Should You Join One?
Updated: Aug. 14, 2018When you hear "co-op," you may think "hippies." But after you learn how these businesses support your local economy, you may just want to join one.
Food co-ops (short for “cooperatives”) may have a reputation as havens for “crunchy granola” types, but these businesses aren’t just for hippies anymore. When they’re run well, they have a lot to offer everyone in the community.
What’s a food co-op?
A food co-op is essentially a grocery store that’s owned by the people who shop there. Members get to decide what foods and products are stocked on the shelves, where those items are purchased and what quality standards both products and vendors have to meet. Members also vote on standards for negotiating prices, and they choose how co-op employees are compensated. Often, even part-time employees are eligible for health insurance.
What perks do co-ops offer?
Typically, co-ops aim to offer high-quality foods at fair prices—for shoppers and producers. Doing business this way helps keep money in communities by supporting local growers, mom-and-pop vendors, the best craft brewers, etc. And, of course, all this local commerce helps create jobs, too.
Co-ops also tend to carry foods and products for people following special diets (paleo bacon, anyone?) or managing food sensitivities (it’s a gluten-free smorgasbord!).
If eating local and/or organic produce is important to you, a co-op is a great place to shop. You’ll also probably have several brands to choose from if animal welfare standards, like cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef and free-range chickens, affect your purchasing decisions. And you’ll find products from vendors who champion sustainable farming and fishing practices.
Other perks may include an impressive bulk foods/spices section packed with all kinds of grains, nuts, snacks, teas and more at bulk prices. Find out what bulk items get you the best deals.
Who can shop there?
Typically, anyone can shop at a food co-op—you don’t have to be a member. If you choose to become a member by paying the co-op’s dues, you’ll have a say in how the co-op is run and probably get discounts on certain products, too. Each co-op decides its dues, but there’s usually a flat rate for a lifetime membership. And if there’s a surplus profit at the end of the year, you could get a dividend, too. Shopping smart can help you save money at any grocery store.
If you’re curious about your local co-op, don’t be afraid to stop in and ask questions. You might just meet some new neighbors…and walk away with a grocery bag full of the finest local produce, or maybe some of the world’s most nutritious foods.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (i.e. the good fats), which can promote your cardiovascular health. We love them in everything from crostinis to pie crust and every salad topping in between. They are also a yummy snack on their own, and can definitely satisfy a craving for something salty and crunchy.
Cherimoya
You may not have ever heard of or seen this fleshy fruit, but it's definitely something to take note of once the spring and summer roll around. It tastes like a cross between a banana and a pineapple, would be great in a smoothie and is high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium.
Ocean Perch
Part of the rockfish family, you'll usually find ocean perch available as small fillets, perfect for adding them to a fish taco or frying with a crumb crust. This fish, which is light brown in color when cooked, is high in protein and low in saturated fat.
Flatfish
If you're worried about your mercury intake, this is a great option because flatfish are generally very low in mercury. You probably know flounder, one of the most common species of flatfish, but halibut also falls in the same family. Both are a great source of protein and include B vitamins.
Chia Seeds
One of the most popular nutritional superfoods over the last few years are these teeny tiny black seeds. You can make a versatile chia pudding or add them as a topping on your bowl of oatmeal or whirl into smoothies for an added boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Pumpkin Seeds
Perfect as a snack on their own, whether roasted or candied, or baked into biscotti, pumpkin seeds shouldn't be overlooked. Not only do they have anti-inflammatory properties, but they're high in zinc, which helps support your immune system.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a perfect way to get in some extra greens, while adding a distinctive flavor and texture to a variety of dishes, including lasagna and quiche. Swiss chard is a powerhouse of vitamins K, A and C.
Pork Fat
This one might come as a shock to you, but the nutrient profile of pork fat complimented groupings in the research by supplying missing nutrients. You can use clarified pig fat (lard) in cooking, in rich pie crusts and even flour tortillas.
Beet Greens
The greens of beets are often overlooked, but they're in the same family as Swiss chard (#7 on the list) and are also a great source of vitamins K, A and C. They would make a great addition to your bed of greens to top with beets, berries and more this summer!
Snapper
There are so many species of snappers out there, named after their "snapping" teeth, but red snapper is likely what you know best. Snapper can help boost your nutrient intake, but beware because it can be high in mercury, so limit yourself to one dish of it per week, whether broiled or baked.
