Food Co-op Initiative

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Food Co-op Initiative

Starting a food co-op? Start here. We answer questions, spread great ideas, and share success stories. Starting a new food co-op? Have a question about organizing?

We want to hear from you and find out how we can help! We have a long list of how-to's and recorded webinar training sessions on our website. We're here to help!

09/02/2026

Applications for Peer Learning Groups 2027 are NOW OPEN.

Get the support you and your startup food co-op need from other startups and co-op development experts.

Cooperators in similar stages of development meet monthly to learn, discuss, and build community with their peers.

Each group is facilitated by a co-op development expert, and each monthly learning topic is chosen with group input, based on their unique needs.

This program is online and FREE.

Learn more and apply by Sunday, September 20: https://forms.gle/7UotKQZXvZMWd8VC8

08/28/2026

The latest edition of the FCI newsletter is live! 📣

What trends are we seeing with communities converting existing grocery stores to co-ops?

And how is FCI helping?

How can *YOU* join the 2027 Peer Learning Group program?

Where can you watch our brand new Summer Tech Series?

If you’re on our email list, these answers (and MORE) are in your inbox.

To read the full version, head to https://fci.coop/august-2026

08/26/2026

This is your SNEAK PEEK

👀

of the next issue of our newsletter that will be in your inbox later this week....

but only if you're subscribed.

There's still time to get on the email list. It's free:

https://crm.fci.coop/civicrm/profile/create?gid=21&reset=1

08/17/2026

This is for the GMs, CEOs and Department Managers 📣

Discuss the challenges and needs you have around AI and tech for your food co-op!

https://crm.fci.coop/civicrm/event/info?id=330&reset=1

Register TODAY for the Co-op Operations Leaders roundtable this Wednesday, August 19 at 7 pm ET.

This is the final session of the Future-Ready Co-ops Summer Tech series, specifically for operations leaders of food co-ops.

This series is presented by Digico Global, Nova Works Corp and Food Co-op Initiative.

08/13/2026

Up and Coming Food Co-op Conference 2027 needs your feedback 📣

https://forms.gle/3Vi7554RoLdQJ29r7

U&C, the national gathering for food co-ops, centers powerful conversations, movement building, and the needs and knowledge of you!

Lend your voice to shape next year’s conference by taking the short survey

→ https://forms.gle/3Vi7554RoLdQJ29r7

08/11/2026

Thank you Clif Family Foundation for supporting the development of new food co-ops across the US for the 4th year in a row!

It is rare to find funding for our work that is "unrestricted" - meaning it doesn't have to be for one specific short-term project, but instead can be used to pay our staff and keep our core programs running to keep successfully supporting the opening of new food co-ops across the US.

We're so grateful to CFF, because their grants to us are just that, "unrestricted", and we appreciate what a huge vote of confidence that is in our work.

From our Peer Learning Programs, to the Up & Coming Conference, to our free virtual FCI Live video series - the Clif Family Foundation is helping make it all possible!

07/31/2026

Happy 11th Anniversary of Opening Sugar Beet Food Co-op in Oak Park, IL! 🎉

Sugar Beet opened its doors in July 2015 but started in 2012.

Their mission is to build community through food by offering local and organic food as well as cleaning and body care products.

Some of their values include:
- Maintaining a healthy business to ensure the livelihoods of employees & producers
- Creating a welcoming & inclusive environment where employees feel valued and are paid fair & competitive wages with benefits and can authentically be themselves
- Minimizing the store’s environmental footprint by composting, recycling, and reusing when possible

Starting today through Aug 2, they are having a sale for member-owners.

Current owners get 10% off one of their shopping trips.

And new owners get:

- a $25 gift card
- 10% off their first purchase
- a free tote bag

Address: 812 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Congratulations, Sugar Beet Food Co-op!

07/28/2026

It’s melon season!

Does your local food co-op have watermelon, cantaloupe or other types of melon in stock yet?

This month, these co-ops did (but double check with them on their current stock):

- Community Food Co-op, Bozeman in Bozeman, MT
- Lovettsville Co-op Market in Lovettsville, VA
- Oryana Community Co-op (multiple locations) in Traverse City, MI
- Detroit People's Food Co-op in Detroit, MI
- Davis Food Co-op in Davis, CA
- Blue Hill Co-op in Blue Hill, ME

🍈🍉

07/25/2026

How many food co-ops can say that they’ve been open for more than 50 years?

Well, French Broad Food Co-op celebrated 51 years of opening this week.

They are the only community-owned grocery store in Asheville, NC and all of their produce is 100% organic.

Cheers to another 50 years to French Broad Food Co-op and their community 🥂

📌Address: 90 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

07/23/2026

Happy 5th Year Anniversary of Opening Oshkosh Food Co-op in Oshkosh, WI 🎉🎉

Their mission is to offer organic goods and affordable staple products in a thriving, member-owned, full-service grocery store in the heart of the city.

Yesterday, members received an extra 5% off everything in the store and then celebrated with live music, a giveaway, a popcorn bar and birthday cake!

And they have NEW *limited edition* merch 👕

Congratulations, Oshkosh Food Co-op!

Address

2801 Hennepin Avenue South PMB 208
Londonderry, VT
55408

Website

http://www.fci.coop/donate

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