Find a Food Co-op Near You
We don't list food co-op grocery stores at the moment. The quickest way to find one near you is the store map kept by National Co+op Grocers, a national association of US food co-ops.
Find a food co-op on NCG's mapFood co-ops, explained
What is a food co-op?
A food co-op is a member-owned grocery cooperative. Shoppers can become members by buying an equity share, giving them a say in how the store is run and a portion of any surplus the co-op generates. Most food co-ops focus on local, organic and ethically sourced groceries.
Do you have to be a member to shop at a food co-op?
No — most food co-ops welcome non-member shoppers, so anyone can walk in and buy groceries. Becoming a member is optional, but members typically get patronage dividends on their spending, member-only discounts and a vote in how the co-op is governed.
Food co-op vs regular grocery store — what's the difference?
A regular grocery store is owned by outside shareholders and run for their profit. A food co-op is owned democratically by its members on a one-member-one-vote basis, and any surplus is returned to members and the community rather than paid out to distant investors — which is why co-ops often emphasise local sourcing and community impact.
How do I join a food co-op?
Find a co-op near you and buy a one-time or annual equity share — the amount varies by co-op. That share makes you a member-owner with patronage dividends and a vote. Most co-ops let you join at the till or on their website.