Select Page

The Cooperative Movement: Cooperation Town is an example of how community-driven initiatives can address food insecurity

The United Kingdom boasts a vibrant and diverse cooperative movement, with over 7,000 registered cooperatives owned by 17 million individual members, contributing £34 billion annually to the British economy. Among these, Cooperation Town stands out as a remarkable example of how community-driven initiatives can address food insecurity and promote affordability.

Cooperation Town: food cooperatives in London are supporting communities

Cooperation Town in Gospel Oak, North London: food cooperatives in London are supporting communities

What is a cooperative?

A co-op is a business or organisation that’s owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs. The members can be its customers, employees, residents or suppliers, who have a say in how the co-op is run.

Every co-op across the world shares the same co-operative principles and values.

Cooperation Town operates through a network of 13 co-ops, each comprising up to 20 households. This structure allows approximately 1,000 people weekly to access affordable, fresh food. Members organise the co-ops, taking turns to manage orders, distribute food, and handle finances. “We all take turns and swap roles, so nobody is the boss at any point,” says Cooperation Town Organiser Fabian Fausten.

“I never knew about it until someone in the area told me about it and brought me here one year ago. When I came and saw what people were walking away with and how much it cost, I was amazed. For £5, you get a full basket of fresh produce like potatoes, cabbages, aubergines, tomatoes, and oranges. It’s incredible value and ensures I can eat healthy every week.” Says a Cooperative Member.

“For £5, you get a full basket of fresh produce like potatoes, cabbages, aubergines, tomatoes, and oranges. It’s incredible value and ensures I can eat healthy every week.”

Community Engagement and Support

Beyond food distribution, Cooperation Town fosters a sense of community. Members gather to collect their food, share meals, and discuss their lives. This communal environment helps alleviate feelings of isolation and promotes mutual support. Activities for children, such as arts and crafts, further enhance the community spirit.

Overcoming Challenges

Cooperation Town sources food from surplus distributors like City Harvest and buys in bulk from wholesale markets. This approach significantly reduces costs. Despite challenges such as poverty, the cost of living, and the impacts of the pandemic, the co-op model strengthens community bonds and ensures that members feel valued and supported.

The Broader Impact

Cooperation Town is part of a larger movement of community food co-ops that self-organise across streets and estates. These co-ops are neighbourhood buying groups where members collectively decide what to purchase and how to manage the co-op, ensuring no one person bears the burden alone.

Cooperatives like Cooperation Town illustrate the profound impact of community-driven initiatives in London. They not only provide affordable food but also foster a sense of belonging and support among members. As one member aptly puts it, “We’re not alone. We’re part of a group, and doing things together works better than doing them alone.”

Cooperation Town: food cooperatives in London are supporting communities

City Harvest’s London community

City Harvest food charity champions the role of community and the impact a network of likeminded organisations can have on affecting positive change in our society. Together we are stronger: City Harvest delivers free food to 375+ community partners. These are often grassroots or user-led projects and initiatives working to tackle food poverty amongst the community, and often combat food waste, too. 

You can find out more about the multiplier effect of food redistribution in our latest People Value Report. 

City Harvest People Report

City Harvest’s latest Value of Food Redistribution to People Report explores the measurable impact that food has on mental, physical and community health.