The Co-op is governed by a voluntary board made up of directors who are elected by members. The Co-op manager and a paid team of dedicated staff are responsible for the running of the shop on a day-to-day basis. Volunteers regularly help out in the shop and assist staff with tasks such as cleaning and restocking shelves.
Generally a co-operative business belongs to the people who use it – people who have come together to provide themselves with the goods and services they need. The co-operative model of enterprise can be applied to any business activity but in our case it is a shop.
Because co-operatives are owned and democratically controlled by their members, the decisions taken by co-operatives balance the need for profitability with the needs of their members and the wider interests of the community. Members have a say in how the business is run through active participation in their cooperative.
Members can ensure that their cooperative business provides the best quality products and services at the lowest possible cost, within an ethical framework that members agree on.
Co-ops are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. We believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
The Blue Mountains Food Co-op is a member-owned not for profit organisation. We value community, respect the environment and promote equality and social responsibility.
We seek to provide an accessible and welcoming shopping environment, and share information to help members and the broader community make informed choices about what they eat and how they live.
Our mission is to provide high quality food and eco-friendly products, and support and inspire members and the local community to make healthy and sustainable living choices.
