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Shopping at community food co-ops

Community food co-ops are not-for-profit, member-owned and run food stores that prioritise local, organic and minimum-waste shopping. Co-ops are open at convenient hours and sell everything from bulk foods to fresh produce as well as cleaning products and toilet paper, allowing customers to shop for all their essentials at the co-op. They also offer discounts and benefits for active members, while helping build a community of like-minded ethical shoppers.

IN THE ILLAWARRA

Flame Tree Co-op

We are a member-owned, not-for-profit co-operative with a focus on sustainable, local and ethical food.

Wollongong & Surrounds

LOCAL GROUPS AND DOWNLOADS

FFI resource, Information booklet

Illawarra’s guide to seasonal eating – A4

Download

FFI resource, Information booklet

Illawarra’s guide to Sustainable & Healthy events

Download

Watch

Growing community through a food co-op

Michelle Lopez-Dohrn speaks about creating a food co-op to help promote progressive change in food, community, economy, environment and as a model for human cooperation.

Listen

The Positive Impact of Philly Grocery Co-ops

A podcast which celebrates community contributions and the positive local and global impact of grocery co-ops.

View Podcast

Read

Suggested books

Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants

View Book

Browse

What is a Food Co-op and Why Should You Shop at One? Food Co-ops + Collectives: 3 models of community food systems Community Food Co-ops Are Thriving During the Pandemic

Research

The meaning, importance and practice of the co-operative principles: Qualitative evidence from the Australian co-operative sector Food Co‐ops and the Paradox of Exclusivity Food Co-Operatives: A Potential Community-Based Strategy to Improve Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Australia.