WHAT IS A FOOD CO-OP?
“A food co-op is a grocery store owned by your neighbors… and by you, if you choose!”
Owned & governed by its members, a food co-op is a not for profit business that focuses on meeting its community’s product needs. Food co-ops:
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bridge the gap between local producers and customers
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provide high quality food from a diverse set of suppliers
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support the local economy by keeping money in the area
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provide a community gathering place
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reduce food waste
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minimize the impact of food distribution on the environment (less fossil fuels needed to refrigerate and transport products)
Because a food co-op’s goals are community oriented rather than profit oriented, they are very different from traditional grocery stores. Whereas traditional groceries seek to streamline the number of their suppliers, co-ops seek to diversify to support many local & regional suppliers. On average, co-ops purchase 20% of products from local sources compared to just 6% for supermarkets. * The Ti Foods Co-op goes beyond even the average co-op, purchasing approximately 57% of its products from local & regional producers (in 2024).
SUPPORTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, LOCAL FARMS, FRIENDS & FAMILY
The Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op is all about food that supports the health of our community, and the people, animals and earth that produce it. We strive to provide a strong regional food system with minimal food waste. We prioritize products from local & regional producers, that support diverse dietary needs (organic, gluten free, vegan), products that are ethically and sustainably produced.
The 7 Cooperative Principles