Strengthening Communities through Cooperation

The Seven Cooperative Principles are the values that set cooperatives apart. They are followed by all cooperatives around the world.

7 Coop Principles

Original art by Hallie Zillman, courtesy of Willie St. Co-op

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The Seven Cooperative Principles

Seven Principles guide cooperative businesses all over the world. Learn more about the shared values and these seven principles at the International Cooperative Association website.

The seven principles are:

  1.  Voluntary and open membership
  2.  Democratic member control
  3.  Member economic participation
  4.  Autonomy and independence
  5.  Education, training, and information
  6.  Cooperation among cooperatives
  7.  Concern for community

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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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.