Food Co-op Development Framework

What is the Framework?

The Food Co-op Development Framework is a set of universal best practices that can increase your co-op’s chances for success.

We’ve developed the Framework Action Guide, a walk-through of how to apply these best practices to your food co-op and the Framework Checklist, a tool that breaks into manageable pieces the work that needs to be done to launch a community-owned grocery store.

The Food Co-op Development Framework graphic

This newly-launched Framework was created with input from both startups and startup experts gathered throughout 2023 and 2024 to create a shared language of universal best practices that speak to the needs of all startup food co-ops aiming for success, while explicitly identifying that how those best practices and milestones are met can take multiple forms. There is no one cookie-cutter way to meet them.  

While FCI developed and will steward this new Food Co-op Development Framework, we also remain committed to the collaborative process that informed the Framework. We will convene  an on-going, collaborative, movement-wide process for developing tools based on the Framework, and for continually reflecting on the Framework and updating it as needed, based on the real needs, and real results, of startup food co-ops and their efforts. 

Learning About the Framework

While supporting documents and tools for the Framework will be developed over the coming months and year(s), the time to start learning about the Framework and incorporating it into your food co-op development plan is NOW! 

FCI will begin offering opportunities for startup organizers to learn more about the new Startup Development Framework in fall 2024:

  • Up & Coming Conference (September 2024): Join FCI’s JQ Hannah to learn the basics of the Framework in zir session: “The Framework: An Introduction to the Startup Process”
  • Webinars (TBA for Fall 2024)
    • Introductory webinar for startups that are new to co-op development
    • Webinar for startups that have utilized the original 4-in-3 Co-op Development Model and are well into their startup journey. Learn about how the Framework does (and does not) differ from the Model and how that will impact their startup organizing. 
  • The Framework will also be utilized and trained on in our 2025 FCI Peer Learning Groups. 

Future learning opportunities for the Framework will be shared via our FCI eNews as they are solidified. If you do not already get our eNews, you can sign up for it HERE.

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

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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.