This presentation from the Neighboring Food Co-op Association’s track of workshops “Co-operatives in the Food System” at the 44th Annual NOFA Summer Conference covers how food co-ops foster and support farmers and food security. See examples of how food co-ops in the Northeast have used economic organizing for a lasting impact on our food system and economy, laying the groundwork for the organic, natural foods, and local movements.
Presenters:
- Bonnie Hudspeth: Membership Programs Manager, Neighboring Food Co-op Association.
- Suzette Snow-Cobb: Sourcing Coordinator, Neighboring Food Co-op Association.
15. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT A CO-OP AS A BUSINESS?
INCOME
From Members
& Other Consumers
EXPENSE
Achieve Member-
Defined Mission & Ends
NOFA Summer Conference 2018
A Co-op is designed to
meet purposes and ends
identified by its Members
— the Users of the
business who are are
transformed through
Membership into its
Owners. The success of
the business depends on
Member patronage —
their purchase of goods
and services.
Co-ops must be profitable
in order to serve their
Members over time.
However, expenses are
better described as value-
added.
The goal of the co-op is
not to maximize profit
for owners or outside
investors, but to achieve
its mission or ends and
operate at cost, with any
surplus (income less
expenses) reinvested to
further advance these
goals or refunded to its
Members.
SURPLUS
15