Cooperatives: Influence of the American Food Co-op Movement

The widespread practice of community support for sources of sustainably grown food and family farms and farmers’ markets is firmly rooted in the co-op movement. As such, the co-ops made a fundamental contribution to changing the American food system.

Further, by expanding Americans’ awareness of the importance of unprocessed, whole, and organic food, the co-ops introduced a viable alternative to the products and experience of mainstream shopping. Food retailing also was changed as a result of the introduction of bulk foods made available for individual consumption. In addition, the food co-ops were pioneers in the areas of food labeling, consumer education, and environmentalism.