Fresh food and friendly faces – start a co-op near you

25/06/2025

Imagine getting fresh, tasty groceries for less and doing it alongside your neighbours. That’s exactly what’s happening at the Teviot Centre Food Co-op, and it’s something you can start in your area too.

We believe everyone deserves access to good food without the big price tag. That’s why we’re joining a growing movement of local food co-ops that are saving people money and bringing communities together.

How do food co-ops work?

A food co-op is a small, friendly group of neighbours who team up to buy groceries in bulk and share the cost. You can get food for up to 40% less than supermarket prices and cut down on waste by using food that might otherwise have been thrown away.

There are already around 30 co-ops like this across the country, each run by local people who know what their community needs. It’s affordable, it’s social, and we’re here to help if you’d like to start one.

Teviot leads the way

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Teviot Centre transforms into a bright mini market filled with colourful, organic fruit and vegetables. It’s all thanks to the food co-op run by Leaders in Community (LiC), who work closely with local suppliers to choose what food to stock each week – with support from funders who help keep it all running.

Everything is discounted by up to 45%, and for many, it’s the first time they’ve been able to buy organic food as part of their weekly shop.

But it’s not just about the food. There’s a community garden out back, looked after by local volunteers. Whether you want to grow your own veggies or just come by for the vibes, it’s a lovely space to connect with your neighbours.

More than just a market

Since April this year, the co-op has created over £2.1million in positive impact. It’s provided a job for a Food Co-op Coordinator, opened up regular volunteering roles, and delivered training for both staff and volunteers. So far, it’s helped over 70 households feel more financially secure, and supported around 80 people to improve their health. Local mum Anab Hussein says the Teviot Food Co-op has been “amazing” in helping her afford healthy food while staying within budget.

She says: “I no longer have to choose between buying fresh food and paying other essential bills. We’re eating more home-cooked meals, and I feel better knowing that I am feeding my family wholesome, organic food.”

The food co-op at Teviot is made possible thanks to the generous support of our key funders: Alexandra Rose Charity, Bridging the Gap, Women’s Environmental Network, and Hill Group and Poplar HARCA through the Teviot LLP Community Chest Fund.

Ready to start your own?

After the success at Teviot, we’re working to bring a similar food co-op model to other areas in Poplar, as part of our Good Food strategy. This strategy includes a range of projects – many run by local partners – all focused on helping residents access affordable, nourishing food.

We’re teaming up with Cooperation Town, a national network of food co-ops, to buy food in larger amounts together. This helps lower costs and makes good food even more affordable for local people.

Chloe Johnston, our Community Project & Partnerships Support Worker who supports local co-ops, says:

“Having visited different Cooperation Town food co-ops around London, I think this is the future of food shopping! Not only does it mean people save money on their weekly shopping, but they also build stronger connections with their neighbours and help to reduce food waste.”

Chloe Johnston, our Community Project & Partnerships Support Worker

Let’s do it

Starting a co-op is easier than you think, and you don’t have to do it alone. Grab a couple of neighbours, reach out to us, and we’ll help you get things off the ground.

Whether you want to join the Teviot Co-op or kickstart your own, we’re here to help.
Pop by the Teviot Centre to check it out or give us a call on 0207 987 5764.

If you’re keen to start something in your own block or estate, email chloe.johnston@poplarharca.co.uk.