Coop Story

Dobrze Kooperatywa is a consumer food cooperative established in 2013. The idea came from three people who wanted to purchase healthy and sustainable food from local farmers. In August 2014, the cooperative opened its first store in Warsaw, followed by a second one in 2016. The shops belong to and are fully managed by members, who work three hours per month as volunteers. They deal with logistics, distribution, and sales. The contribution of the members is fundamental to reduce costs and, thereby make quality food affordable for all. In fact, the stores are not only for members, but anybody can buy there.

The cooperative intends to be a sound alternative to supermarkets and expensive organic stores. It supports and contributes to developing a sustainable food system which meets consumers and producers’ needs while taking care of the environment. The cooperative established sales criteria for the products offered in its stores. The two fundamental principles are the seasonality of the food and the proximity of production.

Dobrze coop contributes to shortening the food supply chain, bringing consumers closer to producers. This idea is also pursued in practice, as every month the cooperative organizes visits to its local producers. On these occasions, consumers can meet farmers and learn how their food is produced.

In 2018, the cooperative developed an educational programme dedicated to young farmers and aimed at promoting alternative food systems. The cooperative also advocates in favour of small-scale farmers and it is among the founders of the Nyeleni Polska Food Sovereignty Network.

Most notably, aside from providing high quality food at affordable prices, the cooperative contributes to re-shaping the city by developing active citizenship, creating a sense of community and a fairer society.

Today, Dobrze coop gathers 357 members, employs 15 people and collaborates with 20 small-scale farmers. Some of the latest initiatives are a plan to launch a third shop and the development of an e-commerce system to cope with the pandemic.

Key Learning Points

• Food cooperatives are key actors of sustainable food systems, improving farmers’ income, increasing people’s access to healthy food and contributing to improving urban-rural linkages.
• Food cooperatives can enhance the development of a sustainable city and a fairer society, by promoting active citizenship and integrating environmental concerns with decent urban lifestyles.