Starting Point: Community need for healthy, reasonably-priced food

Organizing Strategy: food co-op

Tools: Member involvement, strong management, up-scaling neighborhood

Outcome: A shining light in the area, center for community, and provider of healthy foods

Primary Resources: http://www.foodcoop.com/home

The Park Slope Food Coop is a member-owned and operated food store– an alternative to commercial profit-oriented business. As members, we contribute our labor: working together builds trust through cooperation and teamwork and enables us to keep prices as low as possible within the context of our values and principles. Only members may shop, and we share responsibilities and benefits equally. We strive to be a responsible and ethical employer and neighbor. We are a buying agent for our members and not a selling agent for any industry. We are a part of and support the cooperative movement. We offer a diversity of products with an emphasis on organic, minimally processed and healthful foods. We seek to avoid products that depend on the exploitation of others. We support non-toxic, sustainable agriculture. 

We respect the environment. We strive to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on the world we share with other species and future generations. We prefer to buy from local, earth-friendly producers. We recycle. We try to lead by example, educating ourselves and others about health and nutrition, cooperation and the environment. 

We are committed to diversity and equality. We oppose discrimination in any form. We strive to make the Coop welcoming and accessible to all and to respect the opinions, needs and concerns of every member. We seek to maximize participation at every level, from policy making to running the store. As a member of the Coop you share ownership of the Coop with 16,000+ fellow Coop members. You have a voice in the decision-making process and can participate in planning and discussions of the organization’s future. Work, shop, learn, participate—be a part of a unique and rewarding community here in Brooklyn.

Would you like to know where your fruits and vegetables come from and how they are grown?

Would you like to buy nutritious food for much less than you’re spending now?

Would you like access to foods from all over the world?

How would you like cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare these foods?

Would you like to learn about and participate in the growth and direction of this dynamic organization?

As a member of the Park Slope Food Coop, you’ll be able to do all this and more.