It looks like there is a co-operative supermarket opening in London soon – this is very exciting news. I am pretty anti supermarkets in general, mainly because of the monopoly they have due to their size and purchasing power.
If you don’t know, a co-operative is an organisation that is owned by a group of people for mutual benefit.
Wikipedia says:
A cooperative (also co-operative or coöperative; often referred to as a co-op or coop) is defined by the International Co-operative Alliance’s Statement on the Co-operative Identity as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. It is a business organization owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit.
The People’s Supermarket will be a ‘not for profit’ organisation, staffed entirely by volunteers which will keep retail prices low. You can read more about the thinking behind The People’s Supermarket, by the founder, chef Arthur Potts-Dawson, in this interview by The Independent.
Personally, this is really exciting news, as this will create volunteer opportunities, work experience, affordable food for people who need it, and an alternative to the big supermarkets. I’ve signed up for more information and will update the blog as I find out more. (The location of this venture is unknown at the moment, although it will be London-based!)
blog. 
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