Who We Are

Brighton Food Co·op (BFC) is a non-profit cooperative buying club owned and run by and for its members. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of race, religious affiliation, political persuasion, etc. In fact, membership is limited in only two ways:

• For manageability, the size of the co·op is limited to about 60 families.
• Members must be willing to work cooperatively for the benefit of the co·op.

BFC buys food and other products in bulk or large lots from United Natural Foods (UNF), Besteman's Produce, Frontier Co·op, and various other suppliers (see Outside Vendors), then distributes them to its members. In effect, members exchange their distribution labor for cost savings on the products (i.e. prices close to wholesale).

Products available through BFC are the type offered by health food stores and specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods Market:

• fresh organic produce
• whole grain products - grains, flours, breads, cereals, pastas, etc.
• dairy products - milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, eggs, etc.
• organic meats - pastured beef, free-range chicken, etc.
• beverages - coffees, teas, juices, pop, mineral waters, etc.
• frozen foods - veggies, juices, meats, fish, desserts
• canned/jar goods - soups, beans, nut butters, fruit spreads, baby food, etc.
• nuts, seeds, dried fruits, trail mixes
• prepared foods - entrees, burritos, pot pies, oriental dinners, etc.
• natural sweeteners - honey, maple syrup, molasses, etc.
• snack foods - chips, crackers, cookies, candy, etc.
• seasonings and condiments
• personal care products - soaps, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, etc.
• earth-friendly cleaning supplies and paper products
• nutritional supplements

BFC has no store front. Members meet every 4 weeks in a large room rented from a local church to take delivery of the products that were ordered and then to distribute them to the ordering members. Most members assume the most essential role -- that of Distributor -- working together to divide bulk items and large lots into the quantities ordered by individual members. But certain members have more specialized jobs. For example, the Batchers take orders from the members 10 days in advance of each distribution meeting, consolidate and adjust the orders to the bulk quantities required by the suppliers, then submit the consolidated orders to the appropriate suppliers. (For more information about the ordering process, see How to Order.)

BFC operation is guided by a Board of Directors elected by the membership on an annual basis. The Board consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Distribution Work Coordinator, and Communications Director. (For the specific duties of these jobs, see the Policy Handbook.)

Besides making wholesome foods and earth-friendly products available to its membership, BFC also strives to serve an educational role within the community. In that respect, the mission of the co·op is to provide a forum for nutritional education and exchange of ideas. As a non-profit organization, we also contribute any excess monies to local charities.

If you are interested in becoming a member of BFC, see How to Join. For more information about the co·op, feel free to explore this website, or contact the co·op's Secretary (see Board).