Starting a food co-op takes a lot of work. But the rewards are many. This book provides an overview of the basic steps and procedures. The manual is not an exhaustive or comprehensive reference document. Groups interested in starting a new co-op are strongly encouraged to check additional references, including those listed throughout the manual.

Starting a co-op is a challenging and immensely rewarding activity. It will require research, careful planning, patience, and uncounted hours of time from you and your members. The co-op may not turn out exactly as it was originally conceptualized. It will inevitably take longer than you wish it would to get started. But when you invest the time and hard work to start a co-op, you will realize abundant benefits. You will learn about business and develop new skills. You will learn how to run productive meetings. Your co-op will provide jobs and meet daily needs in your community. Most rewarding of all, you will become a co-owner, with many others, of a dynamic and valuable business.
Good luck!

How to Start a Food Co-op

adapted from the original by

Patricia Cumbie and Margaret J. Goldstein

Cooperative Grocers’ Information Network

Copyright © 2010 by the Cooperative Grocers’ Information Network

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Arcata, CA 95518
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Funding for this project was generously provided by:

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Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation
Cooperative Grocer magazine
The Cooperative Foundation
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