A community-based group that buys food together from wholesalers, local producers, and through surplus distribution.

They sometimes have other names like food buying groups or food clubs.

They are NOT food box delivery schemes or food banks.

Our model is also different from food co-operative shops, like the Dublin food co-op or the Urban Co-Op in Limerick. We are focused on small buying groups, not permanent shops.

Communities will access affordable, healthy, and sustainable food.

No middleman and no markup, just communities buying in bulk.

Research has shown that it is up to 40% cheaper than buying in supermarkets.

It can help reduce food waste, support local and ethical producers/suppliers, and provide access to nutritous and healthy fresh food.

It is a simple model that needs three things: a group (usually 10-20 people); suppliers (wholesalers, local producers, surplus food redistributors); and a physical space (where food is delivered and collected).

What you order and how much is flexible according to the needs/interests of the group. It can cost anything from €5-20 per person per week, depending on preferences and arrangements.

There are 6 basic steps:

1. Co-ordinate group order

2. Collect payment from group

3. Order food with suppliers

4. Receive delivery

5. Arrange into bags/boxes/collect loose

6. Members collect food on arranged day/time

UCD researchers will work with groups to develop an appropriate and suitable model. We will provide tailored guidance and advice, including information sessions, logistics and planning, and evaluation.

We will support you to develop clear roles and responsibilities around the following: finances; orders; delivery co-ordination; packing and distribution.

Many people are worried that models like this are a lot of work or responsibility. However, these are collective projects and they are everyone’s responsibility, not a single person’s. Anyone benefitting from the cheaper and better food should also contribute to it. With clearly designed and co-ordinated roles on rotation, this will mean it is not much work per person. The co-ops can be designed so that they are convenient and suitable for the groups. Their simplicity is a strength.

Beyond this, it is important to remember that these are a low risk/low investment project for communities to start. You can also take reassurance that communities in different parts of the world have successfully operated buying groups like these for years.

We are looking for community groups or organisations that could host or take part in a short (10 week) pilot project. Whether you are a part of a local sports, arts, environmental, or health group, we would be interested in hearing from you.

If you are a local producer and would like to sell food directly to a group, please get in touch.