1. A Food Co-op in Our Community?

2. Today’s Agenda Welcome and Introductions What is a food co-op?
What would ours look like?
What will it take to make it happen?
Is this right for us?
Next steps

3. What is a Cooperative?
A business owned and governed by the people who use it (usually called “Members”)
People working together to meet their mutual needs
A specific type of corporation with a distinct legal structure

4. Background
How did the idea of a cooperative in our community get started?
What has happened so far?

5. Concept: What Will it Look Like?
What ideas and goals have been discussed?
What do you think?
Questions?
Pros & Cons?

7. Cooperative Values Self-help Self-responsibility Democracy Equality
Equity
Solidarity
Honesty
Openness
Social responsibility
Caring for others

8. Cooperative Principles
Voluntary and open membership
Democratic member control
Member economic participation
Autonomy and independence
Education, training and information
Cooperation among cooperatives
Concern for community
Adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance 1995

9. How Co-ops Benefit Communities
Goods and services are provided according to what people need and want
Profits stay in the community
Jobs are provided and economic activity is enhanced
Co-ops understand and respond to local needs
Decisions are made to benefit people locally
Co-ops support and stimulate community connections

10. Social and economic impact
Payroll
Benefits
Training
Jobs
20% (or more) local purchases of inventory
Construction
Services and professionals
Support for local producers
Multiplier effect
Food Security
Anchor for new development
Outreach and education
Social benefits
Revenues
1.013
Income
1.781
Wages
1.474
Employment
1.130

11. Critical Requirements
Communication
Commitment
Common vision and goals
Capital
Leadership
Planning

12. The Food Co-op Development Model

13. Four Cornerstones Vision Talent Capital Systems
You will require the strong foundation of these cornerstones throughout your organizing process.

14. Three Stages Organizing Planning & Feasibility Implementation
As you move through the stages of organizing the four cornerstones remain a constant, but you will need different skills, resources and outside assistance as development progresses.

16. New Food Co-ops Organizing Now!
Are you on the map?

17. You Are Not Alone! There are about 380 retail food co-ops in the U.S.
Right now there are over 120 groups organizing new food co-ops across the U.S.
Food Co-op Initiative and other organizations have resources, advice and assistance for you.

18. This presentation was prepared by Food Co-op Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting efficient and successful efforts to start new retail food co-ops. For more information on available resources, referrals and other kinds of assistance, contact us at:

19. Thank You For Coming!!!
If you have questions or would like to talk about volunteering, contact:
Co-op Project Leader
Your name here!