Our Movement
As a member of our co-operative you are also a member of a wider co-operative movement made up of millions of people across the world building a society based on co-operation and solidarity.
Solidarity Economy
There is a vibrant network of co-operative and solidarity enterprises across Ireland which provide ethical, people-centred alternatives for many of the services our community needs.
We’ve listed below a selection of these enterprises from across Dublin and the rest of Ireland.
Donore Credit Union
Our local financial co-operative, Donore Credit Union, provide an ethical savings and loans service to those within their common bond.
All Dublin Food Co-op members are welcome to join.
Community Power
A community-led energy supplier, Community Power source their energy from renewable and community-owed energy co-operatives, and offer a simple pricing structure.
Let them know you're a Dublin Food Co-op Member.
Urban Co-op Limerick
A vibrant community grocery co-operative serving Limerick City, the Urban Co-op is a fast growing co-operative with a fantastic network of local producers.
Membership is open to all.
WeMakeGood
A social enterprise based in the heart of Dublin, selling quality design products produced by people from marginalised communities.
Quay Co-op Cork
The best place in Cork to find organic, vegetarian, sustainable food - this worker-led co-operative serves the city from across its many locations and more recently delivering across Cork.
Open Food Network
The Open Food Network co-operative provides a decentralised online marketplace where local food hubs and producers come together to provide access to wholesome and sustainable food.
Great Care Co-op
Providing quality home care for people who need it while providing fair employment conditions, this worker-owned care co-operative is delivering a fair approach to home care.
Sonairte
A community hub enabling people to live more sustainably to address the twin environmental crises the world currently faces – the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis.
Green Restoration Ireland
An innovative co-operative bringing together consumers, business and willing landowners to sequester carbon through land restoration.
Belfast Food Co-op
Having started early in 2020, the Belfast Food Co-op is building up a regular pop-up-shop in North Belfast where you will be able to purchase healthy, organic, ethically produced and fairly traded food with low-waste packaging for a reasonable price.
Common Ground
A co-operative, community-based group, located in Bray, County Wicklow, dedicated to promoting a co-operative, mindful and ecological lifestyle. Members can join a monthly bulk order.
Boundary Brewing Co-op
Boundary Brewing was established in 2014 and is a Cooperative brewery, shaped and run by its own members. At the core of the brewery is the drive to produce brews inspired by both Belgian and US beers and styles.
Are you from another co-operative and/or solidarity enterprise and would like to be listed here? Do you know of a great community-led enterprise that we should be connected to? Please introduce yourself at online(at)dublinfood.coop and get the conversation started.
Are you starting a co-operative enterprise, or looking for support with your existing enterprise?
As one of Ireland’s most visible co-operatives, we are regularly approached by individuals and groups interested in starting their own co-operatives.
We have been happy to run a number of ‘Start your Co-op’ workshops as part of our Community Development Programme which you can keep an eye on here.
When these aren’t on, we have signposted a number of good resources below and if you are looking for further signposting email us at info(at)dublinfood.coop and we’ll help as best we can.
Irish Co-operative Organisation Society
A co-operative federation which serves and promotes commercial co-operative businesses and enterprise, across multiple sectors of the Irish economy.
SolidNetwork
A vibrant mutual support network for those working within the co-operative and solidarity economy in Ireland. A place to exchange advice, support and experience with others building co-operatives.
Co-operative Alternatives
A co-operative development body that aims to develop and support a strong co-op movement connected across the island of Ireland and doing business in a fair, just and ethical way.
Are you looking for useful guides and resources about starting and sustaining co-operatives?
Co-operative Principles
As a member of a co-operative, you are a member of a worldwide movement, which seeks to put people and planet before profit.
Co-operatives worldwide have agreed to follow these common principles.
1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Members' Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.
3. Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. Co-operative members have equal voting rights – one member, one vote.
4. Education, Training, and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
5. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
One member, one vote
Community owned
Not-for-profit
Becoming a Member
As a member, you gain access to our member benefits, which include member discounts, access to special orders, and can participate in our Co-op Community.
Through your membership of the Co-op, you will get access to an amazing community of people who share common values around food, the environment and building more resilient communities.