A food co-op is a way for a group of people to get the food they want by pooling buying power and sourcing directly from producers. Cutting out the 'middleman' like this means that fresh, healthy, local and even organic or fairtrade foods can be obtained affordably, or in places where no other outlet exists.
A food co-op might take the form of a bag or box scheme, a market or stall, or a mobile or part-time shop and may sell fruit, vegetables, wholefoods like dried grains and pulses, or meat and dairy - whatever the community needs. What food co-ops have in common is being owned and run by the community on a not-for-profit basis, usually by volunteers.
The new advisor role is part of the Food Co-ops strand of the Making Local Food Work programme, funded by the Big Lottery. The programme aims to increase awareness of the benefits of eating local by strengthening the relationships between farmers and consumers. Eating local supports the local economy whilst reducing its impact on the environment. In addition locally sourced food is tastier, has higher vitamin content because it travels less, and buying it helps to keep farming and growing skills alive.
We would like to hear from any individual, group or organisation who’s interested in buying collectively in order to get good food at cheaper prices. Free advice is available on everything you might need to know about setting up a food co-op, via 'How To' workshops and training days, exchange visits to other co-ops, and regional networking events. We have also produced a food co-ops toolkit with lots of useful advice which is available on-line at www.sustainweb.org/foodcoopstoolkit
There is specialised advice available for existing groups on governance, sustainability, marketing, co-operative principles and practice, and we can offer free leaflets and banners to promote food co-ops.
In addition we have a national Food Co-ops Finder map at www.foodcoops.org where you can search for your nearest food co-op, so if you're an existing group you can add your details on to the website and if you want to find others near you that want to form a food co-op, this can be used as first point of call!
Our target is to help establish at least a hundred new food co-ops nationally – so let's make the East of England the 'Bread Basket (or Fruit basket) of Britain' again!
To find out more about food co-ops and how to establish one where you live, contact:
Gemma Sayers
East of England Food Co-ops Advisor
gemma@sustainweb.org
