FOOD COOPERATIVE MANAGER

Food cooperatives (or co-ops) are essentially grocery stores that have a membership-driven, team-oriented approach to selling food. Most co-ops consider themselves “buying agents,” which means they exist as an alternate source of products for consumers. They are run by the members of the community, for the community. Some of the people who shop at food co-ops are even partial owners. If you watch what you eat and want to get involved with your local community at the same time, you should explore what your local food co-op has to offer.

Education and Training

The best way to get started at a food co-op is to simply walk in and ask any questions you may have. Sign up as a member and see if you enjoy the environment. If the membership fee is too much for you, ask if you can work for free for the experience. Training, as with many jobs in food markets, is accomplished by hands-on work.

Salary

Pay rates for employees of a co-op vary by position, location, and membership. A larger food co-op with six or seven years invested in the business is more likely to pay a higher wage than a co-op that has been formed in the last six months. The manager of a co-op will obviously earn a higher salary than buyers or cashiers. Many co-ops also offer their managers health and dental insurance at very low rates.

PERIODICALS

Vegetarian Times
International Subscriptions, Inc.
1 Meadowlands Plaza, 9th Floor
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Web site: http://www.vegetariantimes.com
A print and online magazine concerned with vegetarian cuisine. The magazine includes important items such as food substitutions for vegetarians, natural remedies, nutritional information, and a glossary for new vegetarians