What the heck is a Food Co-op anyway?

A food co-op is what people create when they want to participate in a more localized and personal experience when gathering their food.

A food co-op is for the people by the people, meaning it is member owned and created. It is a way for people to find common ground, share with and benefit from each other. It is, in this case, a natural progression for Carbondale.


A community food co-op creates a place to gather and shop for affordable organic and sustainable food and goods while giving you the power to participate in the whole process.

Food Coop Model

• Average time to create a co-op, two years
• A food coops is owned and operated by members
• Member owned and operated, meaning; every member has a vote in major decisions Including electing a Board of Directors
• A co-op functions with financial transparency and responsibility to its members as a whole
• Support local agriculture whenever possible
• Start up costs and co-op equity come from memberships and generous community donations
• Members are eligible for discounts or dividends depending on the membership structure determined by the board
• Board of Directors oversees Co-ops success and works with store manager to help maintain co-op structure and vision with commitment to the mission
• Successful food co-ops re-circulate profits back into the store
• Older successful coops give back to the community through donations and grants

Contact us today with any comments or questions or call 970-963-1375.

559 Main St.
Carbondale, Co 81623

Hours of Operation
9 am - 7 pm Mon-Fri
11 am - 6 pm Saturday
12 pm - 6 pm Sunday

Benefits of Co-op Membership

• Members are Owners
• Up to $20 credit line
• E-Newsletter
• Discounts every weekend
• Discounts on bulk purchases
• Voting rights