Start a co-op
You Have A Community In Need, We Have A Model That Can Help.
The Cooperative Pathway Program (CPP) empowers you to establish a successful food co-op effectively. This program offers a fee-based two-step approach:
Comprehensive Training
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to run a food co-op effectively. Our two-day training program covers essential aspects like co-op operations and co-op member management.
Guided Launch and Ongoing Support
Benefit from our expertise as you launch your co-op. We’ll provide guidance throughout the process, and continue to support you with sourcing food and household goods, coordinating deliveries, securing supplies, and assistance with reporting.
What is a Food Co-op?
Is My Organization A Good Fit For A Food Co-op?
CPP training requires not only a heart for the mission, but also some basic logistical resources. Think you may be interested in starting a co-op?
Commitment
CPP Partners commit to running and financially sustaining a co-op for a minimum of 3 years, coordinating bi-weekly meetings and prioritizing the co-op members and providing access to sustainable food security. Partners also commit to securing funding for their co-op for at minimum these first three years.
Location
We seek to open co-ops where there is need. We ask you identify a space that is consistent, accessible, and has table and storage space for up to 50 members to actively participate in co-op.
People
CPP Partners provide staff to coordinate the co-op. They will go through our training program and be ready to provide bi-weekly leadership at co-op meetings, as well as support the co-op operations through administrative tasks.
Mission
Our CPP Partners are committed to strengthening their community and food systems by expanding and replicating our co-op model in metro Atlanta and ultimately beyond.
Ready to Apply?
We encourage you to join us by completing the Cooperative Pathway Program and launching an Urban Recipe Certified Food Co-op! Please thoroughly review all the steps before submitting your application. If you have any questions, please contact Jamillah Gilmore.
Determine if a co-op is a good fit
Coordinating a food co-op is an immense undertaking. We focus on providing sustained food access to our members, which requires a substantial commitment from you. Please review the commitment here.
Submit your application
Ready to apply? Please complete your application here.
You will hear from us shortly after submission. If you are selected, you’ll meet the team and have a chance to learn more about the food co-op model before making a commitment.
Attend training
The Cooperative Pathway Program is a two-day training program that equips you to run a co-op. Through interactive learning methods including presentations, discussions, scenario-based exercises, workshops, and our comprehensive workbook, you will gain all the tools necessary to run a co-op effectively.
At the end of your training, you will be Urban Recipe Certified and have the resources, support and knowledge needed to coordinate a co-op in your community. We recommend at least two members of your community complete the training in order to best staff your co-op.
Prepare to launch
With the support of Urban Recipe, you will be ready to launch your co-op. You’ll gather people in need, and with our support, you’ll use your newly-learned skills to feed your community. Our staff will be there to assist you through troubleshooting the launch and get you running smoothly.
Continue to grow
After completing the CPP Training, you commit to operating a co-op for at least three years. Though most co-ops start small, they will evolve and grow, each facing their own unique set of challenges and growing in their own way. Our team is dedicated to assisting you during this dynamic and rewarding journey. The co-op model prioritizes sustainable food security, with the goal of each co-op sustaining itself until the community’s needs change.
Cooperative Pathway Program Partners
