Mayflower Food Co-ops

Based on the Cooperation Town model, Food Co-ops are small neighbourhood buying groups that provide their members with affordable groceries sourced in bulk and from surplus and distributed at a very low price.

Food Co-ops are owned by their members and run according to the needs of that community. Members decide collectively on how to organise and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the co-op.

Mayflower Food Co-op started in July 2023, collaborating with the local church and school. Twenty parents/grandparents and parishioners came together to form this Food Co-op. These people did not know each other, and they met once a week and all paid £3. They source fruit and vegetables from Fareshare, the food redistribution charity and go shopping each week, buying in bulk to save money. They then share this food equally.