How do you start a community food coop?

Answer 1

You just need to get a group of people together to supply specialty items, such as organic produce, grains, breads, eggs, cheeses, natural soaps and shampoos, teas, herbs, etc. Each member pays a yearly membership fee, such as 25 dollars, and buys goods from the other members. The coop would probably take a small cut of the proceeds, maybe 15 percent for operating expenses. You need to rent a building, and to avoid having to pay taxes, you can only be open 3 days a week, and no more than 4 hours each of those three days. That way, you dont have to charge sales tax on the goods. You can do an online buying club, such as Breadbeckers, to purchase items to stock the co op at wholesale price. Good luck!

Answer 2

Consider starting a collective buying group first, then if that goes well you can look into retail space.

I helped organize a vegetarian buying club in La Crosse Wisconsin when I lived there. We went through NorthFarm Cooperative (now Natural Farms )

The main distributor of food cooperatives, as well as Whole Foods is United Natural Foods. You can find info about starting your own buying club through them at
http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/

Answer 3

talk to the community

find where people gather, talk to local government

find a reason for the food drive. talk to the local food bank, they're always in need of food