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https://theconversation.com/community-run-food-co-ops-can-reduce-food-insecurity-and-boost-healthy-diets-research-shows-256100>
"As grocery prices continue to rise, many Australians are struggling to afford
healthy food and are looking for alternatives to the big supermarket chains.
The recent supermarkets inquiry, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer
Commission, confirmed Australia’s grocery sector is highly concentrated, with
limited competition and rising retail margins. In regional and remote areas,
consumers often face higher prices and fewer choices.
One option growing in popularity around the country is the community food
co-operative, or “food co-op”.
Food co-ops are local not-for-profit or member-owned groups where people join
together to buy food in bulk, usually straight from farmers or wholesalers.
These co-ops can take different forms, including shops, neighbourhood-based
hubs, or box delivery models. They typically offer a range of foods such as
fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy products, eggs and pantry staples.
By co-ordinating their orders, members can reduce food costs, limit packaging
waste, and avoid supermarket markups. Co-ops can also help lower transport
emissions by reducing long supply chains.
We’ve been researching the benefits of food co-ops. We’ve found this model
could reduce food insecurity and increase people’s intake of fruit and
vegetables."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
