Our Purpose

We are a wholefoods co-operative committed to providing our community with control over their access to affordable, wholesome and sustainably produced food.

Our Vision

A food system where people control their access to affordable, wholesome and sustainably grown food and related products.

Our Purpose

To provide affordable, wholesome and sustainable food and related products to our members and the wider community.

Our Values

Sustainability – Ethics – Solidarity – Accessibility – Openness – Co-operation – Community

DFC Staff & Volunteers

What is the Co-operative Difference?

Co-operatives are democratically run not-for-profit organisations that focus on meeting their members’ needs while serving social, economic or environmental purposes. We differ from for-profit businesses because we only seek to generate enough surplus to gain prudent reserves, invest in growing our services to members and delivering on our social purpose. We differ from nonprofits because we are a self-help membership organisation that relies on our trading income and not on grants or donations.

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

DFC Shop Staff

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.

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