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Your support helps us strengthen the co-op movement

“When we first started, FCI was the resource we learned from. We cut our teeth with FCI. What really catapulted us was FCI’s sponsorship of our first trip to Up & Coming — we got informed, it got us into the network of co-ops, it helped us establish a relationship with the National Black Food and Justice Alliance, and increased our capacity of understanding the dynamics of opening a co-op grocery store.”

“I am so grateful for the support that FCI provides to startups like ours so that our vision and the vision of countless groups across the country can be realized.”

“Ten years of Friendly City Food Co-op, ten years of donating to FCI — because we believe that food co-ops are a better way for today and the future.”

“FCI continues to provide the Silverton Food Co-op board with valuable support and is always available when we have questions or concerns regarding our next steps. Their videos, documentation, and phone support have been invaluable to SFC. Providing opportunities for connections with other co-ops is monumental for us as we continue to move towards opening our doors. The FCI group feels like family and we cannot imagine opening our store without them.”

“I don’t know where we would be without FCI’s resources, their mentorship, and all the other co-ops we’ve met through FCI. The amount of shared knowledge at FCI is just incredible.”

“Thanks for everything that you all do to help communities everywhere start co-ops that greatly impact them and future generations.”

“The Food Co-op Initiative has provided us with invaluable guidance, data, mentorship, and encouragement over the years. We are so grateful to have FCI’s support in creating a co-op for our community — we couldn’t do this without you!”

“Thank you for all you do to support initiatives like ours. The resources and info you provide are so helpful as we continue our long journey toward a storefront operation.”

Before Food Co-op Initiative, a community starting a new food co-op had very little support. There was a basic guide, a few consultants for hire, and possibly assistance from an established food co-op. Cooperative leaders had a vision for a new organization that could provide the resources and training that co-op organizers were lacking, helping them open more quickly and be more likely to succeed. Since then, over 150 food co-ops have opened and FCI has played a big part in supporting most of them.

  • We have created a free Resource Library with publications and video training covering all aspects of starting a co-op
  • We have published a comprehensive Guide to Starting a Food Co-op in both English and Spanish—available as a free download
  • We present dozens of online training webinars and case studies every year, FREE.
  • We offer in-depth online classes for organizers who want to better understand critical areas like board development and member-owner recruitment
  • We co-sponsor the Up & Coming Conference — the biggest, most fun, and most educational event for food co-op startups
  • We provide hours of free consultation by phone and web with organizing teams

“I was taking notes so fast that I think my hand has cramped, but just wanted to rave about the great webinar today (and the last one, which really helped open some eyes on our board). Thank you for all of the great advice, suggestions, information!” —Webinar participant

Want to know more? Look through our annual impact reports to find out more about what FCI does and the impacts we’ve made in the startup community.

Did we say ‘FREE’?

Yes, aside from the Up & Coming Conference, everything we do is provided at no charge to the food co-ops we serve.

How do we do it?

FCI relies on federal grants, sustaining grants from cooperative organizations, and donations and gifts from food co-ops, including startups and individuals. We thank each of you who have helped keep FCI alive and growing for the last 10+ years.

Why We Need You

As FCI continues to support about 100 organizing groups at any given time, we have created and evolved programs, training, and networking opportunities that have a huge impact. Many of these projects require a lot of staff time to plan, execute and continually update. We have learned that the more contact we have with startup organizers, the more they benefit from our services. To continue expanding our resources and providing personal support, FCI needs to grow. Help us reach our goal to increase our budget by 25% so we can continue to expand our programs to meet the needs of the food co-op community.

Accolades for the Up & Coming Conference

We gather anonymous feedback and evaluations every year from conference attendees, who repeatedly give Up & Coming rave reviews. Here are just a few:

“Great range of topics that fit all stages of start-up and really fabulous presenters!”

“We’ve learned SO MUCH from all of you since first attending the Up & Coming Conference 5 years ago. We feel 100% confident saying that we would not be where we are today without the education, guidance, and peer support provided by FCI.”

“In a lifetime of conferences, U&C is by far the best in my experience.”

Get Started with Food Co-op Initiative

Food Co-op Initiative provides exceptional resources for people in the U.S. working to start a retail food co-op that meets the needs of their community. New startups can use our materials at no charge and are able to reach out to our staff for phone consultations and additional technical help.

Popular Resources

Let’s Start a Food Co-op! What do we do first?

What can FCI Do for me?

Guide to Starting a Food Co-op

Annual Impact Reports

QuickStart from FCI Classroom

Connect with Us

Have questions, want to know where to start?
Call today: (844) 324-2667

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Food Co-op Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law. Food Co-op Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.