Mayflower Food Co-ops

Case Study

Lead Member Plymouth City Council
Categories Community
Assets Download Case Study

Principles met

Co-production

We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
Social partnership

We will strengthen the co-operative partnership between citizens, communities, enterprises and Councils, based on a shared sense of responsibility for wellbeing and mutual benefit.

Based on the Cooperation Town model, Food Co-ops are small neighbourhood buying groups that provide their members with affordable groceries sourced in bulk and from surplus and distributed at a very low price.

Food Co-ops are owned by their members and run according to the needs of that community. Members decide collectively on how to organise and are responsible for the day-to-day running of the co-op.

Mayflower Food Co-op started in July 2023, collaborating with the local church and school. Twenty parents/grandparents and parishioners came together to form this Food Co-op. These people did not know each other, and they met once a week and all paid £3. They source fruit and vegetables from Fareshare, the food redistribution charity and go shopping each week, buying in bulk to save money. They then share this food equally.

For further information contact:

Alan Knott
Policy and Intelligence Advisor
Plymouth City Council

Back to Case Studies

Mayflower Food Co-ops

Principles met

Co-production

For further information contact:

Brent Council’s Family Wellbeing Centres

Brent Health Matters

Adopting Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic

Mayflower Food Co-ops

Principles met

Co-production

Social partnership

For further information contact:

More case studies

Brent Council’s Family Wellbeing Centres

Brent Health Matters

Adopting Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic