Our Co-op

Founded in 1983

Dublin Food Co-op is Ireland’s longest running and largest community-owned consumer co-operative.

We were established with an aim to provide affordable, nutritious, wholesome and sustainably sourced food to our members from our shop in Kilmainham and our online shop.

The Co-op started as a small buying club among friends, but has over time grown into a vibrant community with over 2,500 members, 120 volunteers and 18 staff members.

Our Co-operative Today

As a co-operative, we are a not for profit social enterprise – we aim to make a surplus to provide more affordable prices, build healthy reserves and further our social purpose.

We achieve more affordable prices through bulk ordering and our member volunteering scheme.Members receive a 5% discount on their shopping when they join but they can receive up to a 25% discount if they are also able to volunteer.

Volunteers receive between 15% and 25% discounts for their contribution.

Our Members

The members are the lifeblood of any co-operative, and we are no exception. Members are involved at all levels of the co-operative, be it volunteering in the shop, getting involved in member committees, attending member meetings or joining our Co-ordinating Body. As a member you are not only entitled to all the benefits of membership, you are also a shareholder in our co-operative. You’re able to attend our General Meetings, elect our Co-ordinating Body and participate in decisions about our Co-op.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our co-operative, and we cherish their invaluable contributions. Volunteers play a pivotal role in various aspects of our co-operative's operations, whether it's dedicating their time to help run the shop, actively participating in member committees, attending crucial member meetings, or becoming integral members of our Co-ordinating Body. As a volunteer, you don't just give your time; you reap the rewards too. Volunteering with us means you become a stakeholder in our co-operative, sharing in the benefits and decision-making process.

Our Co-ordinating Body

The Co-ordinating Body, the guiding hand of our Co-op, is annually elected by our cherished members. They stand as the heartbeat, tirelessly steering our Co-op towards the path that resonates with our core vision, purpose, and values.

The dedicated volunteers within the CB serve as an indispensable link, connecting the intricate web of our operations with the pulsating energy of our members. They are the vital safeguard, ensuring that the Co-op remains not just sound, but also infused with the spirit that fuels its existence. In the symphony of our Co-op's governance, the CB finds resonance through the numerous committees.

These committees are comprised of members who bring their knowledge, skills, and experience, becoming the cornerstone that supports and fortifies our Co-op's mission.

Our Secretary

Since joining the Dublin Food Co-op in 2019, Paolo has actively contributed as Treasurer, Chair, and now Secretary, driven by a passion for collective action and community support. At the recent AGM, he highlighted the Co-op’s achievements and the importance of sustaining momentum. Dedicated to promoting sustainable development through the co-operative model, Paolo has also built lasting friendships within this vibrant community. Beyond their Co-op involvement, h enjoy seeking out healthy, organic food and experimenting with recipes, believing in the unifying power of food and looking forward to collaborating with others in culinary adventures.

Our Team

Our team is made up of a diverse group of people, combining the dedication of staff and volunteers. Among the volunteers are the Coordinating Body and the Secretary, who support the Manager in guiding the Co-op, alongside many others who contribute to the daily operations of the Dublin Food Co-op.

The staff form the backbone of our cooperative, led by the Manager, supported by assistants and the operational team.

All of them, together, they work each day to transform the Co-op into a welcoming, vibrant, and peaceful space where our shared values can truly come to life creating a energetic Team.

Our Co-op Governance

Our co-operative is made up of many parts that each play an important role.

I’ve been a Co-op member for seven years and am passionate about tasty, healthy, and sustainable food. Having volunteered in many roles, I’m grateful for the trust placed in me as the new chair of the CB from July 2025.

Professionally, I work in the Department of Transport, developing strategies to encourage sustainable travel such as walking, cycling, and public transport. I bring experience in strategy, governance, and project delivery to support the Co-op in offering ethical, nutritious products and strengthening community ties.

Most weekends, you’ll find me shopping at the Co-op with my daughter, Ivy.

As a mother of two children, saleswomen and previous owner of an organic shop in Luxembourg, I realised that food isn't only a question of labels but also a philosophy of living. I'm delighted to be part of the CB after volunteering in the shop since November 2023 and help Food co-op to reach long-term growth. I like to discuss and share best practices for a healthier life. I'm convinced that responsible consumption is a political choice for a sustainable future.

I am a long-time member and supporter of Co-op principles and values, first drawn to the Dublin Food Co-op for healthy, authentic, tasty, and organic produce. Along the way, I also discovered a wonderful community sharing common interests and values. Professionally, I have 20 years of experience in the food industry, working across procurement, finance, and supply chain. As Treasurer and member of the FAR committee, I would like to contribute my expertise to help the Co-op achieve its goals and to support the development of a stronger, more connected Dublin Food Co-op community in the future.

I have an extensive career in program and change management, and operations leadership—across innovative start-ups and global companies in technology and life sciences. I now work for myself as an independent consultant in the areas of change and transformation. While relatively new to the Co Op, I am inspired by what it stands for: honest food, real community and shared purpose. In my professional career, I have always been a champion for the customer and what they experience, and I believe this advocacy, plus my business experience can help to contribute to ensure strong governance that allows the Co Op to flourish.

With a passion for food, culture, and community, I support sustainable and independent food systems. I’ve spent over a decade working as a brewer and distiller with producers across Ireland and Europe, and as a consultant to small-scale food and drink businesses. My background also includes wild food sourcing, and I hold a Master’s in Insights and Innovation, completed while consulting with Bord Bia on independent food and beverage innovation. I joined the Co-op because I believe member-led models build fairer, more resilient systems. I bring expertise in product development, strategy, and governance to help the Co-op thrive.

The food Co-op was the landing platform when me and my family relocated to Ireland in 2016. The community was of great support as at that time I was a mother of a little baby with no relatives around and friendships to be built. I would love to see the Co-op flourish as a hub for like minded people, a place of community and support and point of creative thinking and living. I am a trained speech therapist and have worked as a freelancer for 25 years, running forest school for children now and teaching German to little ones in a creative environment.

The spark for joining the Dublin Food Co-op over 30 years ago was hearing how a group of environmental activists came together to source their own food needs in line with their values. I have always enjoyed being an active volunteer member and I believe the Co-op’s values is our greatest asset. As a CB member I am especially interested in the growth of our active volunteer members and of our local and zero waste produce offering. After a career in Information Technology & Project Management, I am now enjoying a second life as a teacher of the Alexander Technique.

I am an Irish researcher and policy consultant with 18+ years’ experience in sustainable food systems and community development. A long-time supporter of co-operative values, I am drawn to the Co-Op’s commitment to ethical consumption, social justice, and collective governance. My background in participatory policy, food sovereignty, and governance across UN, EU, and grassroots initiatives equips me to support strategic planning, inclusivity, and resilience. As a CB member, I aim to prioritise transparency, partnerships, and ensuring our actions reflect member values, helping the Co-Op thrive in a changing agri-food landscape.

Our Committees

Our committees support the Co-ordinating Body with their work, give more members a opportunity to be involved in the governance of our Co-op and bring their expertise, values and passion to our Co-op.

Finance, Audit & Risk

Chair: Martin Nolan

The CB is supported in the areas of finance, audit and risk by a committee of members with appropriate skills and experience. The committee is always looking for new members, so consider reach out.

Download the Terms of Reference (PDF 242kb – opens in a new window).

Nomination & Governance

Chair: Vacant

The CB is supported with its governance and succession role by a committee of members with appropriate skills and experience. The committee is always looking for new members, so consider reach out.

Download the Terms of Reference (PDF 116kb – opens in a new window).

Members Affairs

Faciliator: Robert Cazacuic

The CB is facilitating the start of a Members’ Affairs Committee to provide a space for members to ask questions, share ideas and get involved without the commitment of joining the CB or one of the committees.