Urban Recipe's Cooperative Model
Urban Recipe’s food co-ops for low income families provide a unique alternative to many traditional food-centered ministries. Under our model, each family we serve becomes a member of a 50 family food co-op that meets every other week and is convened completely by the members themselves. Because of the consistency and sense of ownership the model offers, co-ops that are created to provide food security for those in need have become a place where relationships are formed, dignity is affirmed and community is strengthened. A Typical Day…
Members arrive at their appointed hour, check in and begin to help in a range of ways. They may help set up the room, set out the food, sort the food by different types or simply visit with other food co-op members. A member led meeting is then held where members discuss issues they choose to bring up and make decisions that help run their co-op. The meetings may include a reflection or devotional time, community announcements and at times, speakers. Then boxes are distributed and members leave until they gather again in two weeks.
