What We Do

Our Vision

Strengthening Communities Through Cooperation

We envision a world where every community has the power and ability to build a thriving cooperative food system that provides them with the food they need and want.

Our Mission

Food Co-op Initiative partners with communities to build a more just food system, providing critical support as they organize and open community-owned grocery stores.

The specific outcomes FCI works to achieve, in priority order, are these:

Food co-op organizers will have access to:

• Relevant information, tools, best practices, and resources.
• Effective training.
• Ongoing technical advice and support.
• Peer learning.
• Sufficient grant and loan resources.

Diverse communities will be strengthened because:

• Residents will be healthier and better fed.
• Civic engagement and empowerment will be greater.
• New jobs in democratic workplaces will pay living wages.
• The tax base will expand.
• Prospects for future development will be improved.

Institutions that invest capital and enact public policies will have:

• Increased understanding and appreciation of the value and impact of food co-ops.
• A greater commitment to providing resources for their development.