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Are Co-ops Expensive? Read this Grocery Story

Writer's picture: Danielle FisherDanielle Fisher



Want to learn more about Co-ops? How and why did the Co-op movement begin? What's the value of Co-ops next to big-name grocery stores like Walmart, Smith's or even Whole Foods? Check out Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants by Jon Steinman. This book is recommended reading for all Co-op board members, and we encourage member-owners to read it, too! 

 

Cover of the book Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants by Jon Steinman

In addition to explaining the history of Co-ops, the book addresses the perception that Co-ops are expensive. Steinman's research finds that food co-ops are, in fact, price competitive with other grocery stores. As is the case when comparing prices between most retailers, he says, you will always find some items more expensive and others cheaper.  

 

He challenges the idea that economies of scale bring grocery store prices down. Unlike conventional grocery stories, “Food co-ops can’t profit off their customers because they're owned by their customers.” The grocery store brand giants are increasingly conglomerated, consolidating the decision-making power into the hands of few distant, wealthy investors. In many cases, this leads to the exploitation of small-scale suppliers and farmers, and shoppers like you and me. At Co-ops, however, prices are a reflection of the values that the member-owners want and choose – such as fair compensation for producers and workers, for example. 


Cheap food is an illusion. There is no such thing as cheap food. The real cost of the food is paid somewhere. If it isn’t paid at the cash register, it’s charged to the environment or to the public purse in the form of subsidies. Or it’s charged to your health. — Michael Pollan 

And, as a cooperatively owned business, the Wasatch Food Co-op exists to serve our community. We’re prioritizing initiatives that will create equitable opportunities for all members of the community to enjoy local, nutritious and sustainable foods.


We want to hear from you! What are your favorite books about food? Let us know in the comments! 

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