start a buying club

Buying Clubs are as diverse as the people who create and join them, but they do share a few common elements. In general a Buying Club is a group of friends, neighbors or interested local families who pool their household food demands to allow them to purchase larger quantities of local food at wholesale or below retail prices. Buying clubs are a wonderful way to help local farmers sell more products in a more organized, collective way. In addition, because they bring together a group of buyers, buying clubs provide farmers with more income and more profits while helping local families to continue to have access to local, fresh, and nutritious food. Club members can create their own marketplaces of any vendor they choose, as well as their own rules of participation and operation.

Here are a few publications and websites that can help you on your way...

Crown O' Maine Organic Cooperative

How to Create a Neighborhood Food-Buying Club

How to Start a Buying Club

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