General Information

Buying Clubs

Buying Clubs & Online Markets

Co-ops that are working on opening a retail (brick and mortar) storefront often consider running some form of buying club or online market to start providing service to the community before a store can be opened.

Case Studies

South Philly Case Study

After 10 years of organizing, South Philly Food Co-op got its doors opened.

Oshkosh on Raising Capital

The Outreach Manager at Suncoast Market tells us about the program they have created in response to COVID19.

Thinking Beyond With Gem City

Gem City Market organizing team from Dayton, Ohio.

Detroit Peoples Food Co-op

Join us for a live update on the progress of the Detroit People's Food Co-op.

Buying a Business to Start a Co-op

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Collective Hope

During this global pause and a new chapter of our shared human story let us explore the power of collective hope to reimagine community through our co-op ecosystems together as startup food cooperators.

The Essentials

This Could Be Ours

This Could Be Ours is a photo album magazine to inspire your food co-op dream.

Bylaws Basics I & II

Bylaws establish guidelines for how your organization will run. Learn the best practices for startup co-ops when writing their bylaws.

Legal Primer

Your must-read guide to incorporation, articles and bylaws, membership, equity, liability, patronage, and more.

The FCI Guide to Starting a Food Co-Op

As an organizer working to start a food co-op, you’ve likely asked yourself but where do I start?

La Guia De FCI Para Iniciar Una Cooperativa De Alimentos.

Esta publicación ha sido un esfuerzo cooperativo entre todas las personas que se esfuerzan por construir la economía cooperativa compartiendo nuestro conocimiento y experiencia.

FAQs

Collective Hope

During this global pause and a new chapter of our shared human story let us explore the power of collective hope to reimagine community through our co-op ecosystems together as startup food cooperators.

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.