Answer
A food co-op is different from a regular grocery store in its reinvestment of profit back into the community and mission to promote the health and viability of the local economy.
The average food co-op:
- Sources 80% of their stock from local farms and purveyors
- Pays above average wage
- Promotes sustainability measures for a greener planet – like recycling, composting, and reduced waste
- Donates 13% of profits to charity