At Our Tables, In Our Community, & For Our Planet: The Good Our Co-Op Does
Posted by South Philly Food Co-op · October 21, 2025 10:37 AM
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Today we're here to discuss the Cooperative Principles and examples of how our Co-Op follows this model and what this means for your household, our community and the planet!
October is National Co-Op Month and 2025 is year of the CO-Op making this an optimal time to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, inclusive communities!
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1. Voluntary & Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to everyone able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
South Philly Food Co-Op encourages all members of our Community to become Member-Owners. We make this more accessible through the Community Equity Fund.
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2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by members with equal voting power, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
By investing in South Philly Food Co-Op and becoming a Member-Owner YOU have a vote in the Co-Op's Governance and future!
Our Board of Directors are elected Co-Op Member-Owners who are community members and shoppers just like you!
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3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to the capital of the cooperative.
Each Member-Owner has an equal share in the Co-Op! This is a grocery store you own with your friends and neighbors!
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4. Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations or raise capital from external sources, they ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their autonomy.
This principle ensures that the Cooperative remains independent and serves the needs of its members rather than being controlled by external stakeholders.
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5. Education, Training & Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative.
South Philly Food Co-Op provides staff with professional development opportunities through our partnership with NCG, shares and provides information in store and online and hosts educational events throughout the year.
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6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
SPFC is a Member of National Co-Op Grocers a Co-Op made of other food Co-Ops! More locally, we're organizing with Mariposa, Weaver's Way, and Swathmore Co-Ops to form the Philly Grocery Co-Op Collective to work together to promote the Cooperative business model and support local Philly community initiatives at a unified group!
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7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies and services approved by their members.
When you support the South Philly Food Co-Op you're helping our mission of "Using Food as a Force for Good."
We donate to community fridges and mutual aid groups, provide outreach to local schools and sponsor their events, and regularly choose local nonprofits to donate to through our Round Up program.
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8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cooperatives strive to celebrate & honor diversity, cultivate an inclusive environment & work toward systemic equity
Our store strives to represent the diversity of our city's cultures through the people it hires, welcoming every member of our community and making our space a safe and inviting one for everyone.
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We invite you to invest in your Co-op this Equity Drive. Your investment strengthens the Co-op and allows us to advance our mission of "Using Food as a Force for Good!"
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