The dorchester food CO-OP is an initiative to build a new food CO-OP in the largest and most diverse neighborhood of boston, massachusetts

The multi-stakeholder CO-OP will include community and worker owners that will work collectively to source affordable fresh produce, bulk items, groceries and green household products, focusing on local, sustainably raised and produced items. The store design, product mix, price structure and workforce will all reflect the rich cultural complexity of our community. The dorchester food CO-OP is part of a growing national movement of people building community wealth and power through cooperative enterprise.much of dorchester's population faces food insecurity, and many residents have diet related health issues. We are part of a local food justice movement that is invested in our collective success while centering racial, environmental, and economic justice in our work. We envision a thriving community supported by a CO-OP that nourishes, employs, and reinvests in the local economy - one that partners with local businesses and provides quality food for all.more than just a grocery store, the CO-OP has been organizing for over ten years and has built a membership of over 1300 community residents. The CO-OP will:build strong partnerships with community health centers and local organizations, and work with this network to integrate nutrition education into the store's design and programmingprovide training and job growth potential for neighborhood residents and youth; expand markets for local and regional farmers, and infuse new economic activity into the local business district.create a space for the diverse residents of dorchester to gather around food and cultural programming to strengthen the social fabric of the communityexpand the cooperative economy through purchasing products and services from existing CO-OPS and supporting the launch of new CO-OPS; be a model of a green, sustainable and socially responsible businessas we begin construction on our store in 2022, we are running pilot initiatives that will inform the programs and activities of the store, slated to open in 2023. These activities include a subsidy program to support low-income CO-OP memberships, nutrition education workshops, developing local supply chains, and training future staff as worker owners who share in CO-OP governance. The pilots will produce qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate their success. A priority of the new CO-OP is to make healthier food accessible to residents of all income levels. The CO-OP will be locally owned and governed by community members on a cooperative basis, and will be open to members and non-members to shop. Rooted in the community and accountable to community needs, the long-term benefits provided by the CO-OP will include:purchasing of local and regional goods and services; ownership opportunities for community members; leadership development in a bipoc community through participation in CO-OP governance; employment and professional development of community members; andaccess to healthy, affordable food.