The People’s Food Co-Op (PFC) was incorporated in 1971. It began as a graduate student project under Professor Al Conner at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work. The buying club was a way for low-income people to get fresh, healthy food, and the project grew quickly as faculty and students joined the group. Early Co-Op documents show “a commitment to locally grown, organic food and protection of the environment,” which remain PFC’s core values to this day.

            After moving several times, the PFC expanded by opening Café Verde—Ann Arbor’s first fair-trade coffee bar—and adding a prepared foods kitchen and hot food/salad bar. Sales now exceed $5.5 million with a membership in the thousands. The initial all-volunteer work force eventually became paid staff with a department structure, management team and a general manager that oversees day-to-day operations.

            PFC continues to provide quality food at fair prices with a strong commitment to offering local products, many of which are sustainably and organically grown. Their education and outreach programs reflect our community’s commitment to sustainable living, and a donation program supports a diverse selection of community groups.

            When people join the PFC, they become part of a vibrant local food system that supports hundreds of farmers, growers and producers and get  10 percent off one day of their choice every month; 20 percent off non-perishable case orders; member-only sales throughout the store; discounts and coupons throughout the year; member appreciation days; and much more.

            They are in business to serve the community, not just to make a profit. They also support other cooperative business whenever possible. The mission is to care about the environment, access to safe, healthy food and the sustainability of the community.

            The People’s Food Co-Op is made up of several sales departments: grocery store, kitchen, produce, wellness, bulk foods, case discounts and dairy/eggs/cheese. It’s run by staff that care about what they are doing. They are constantly researching new and exciting products to fulfill the intention of having what customers need when they need it.

The People’s Food Co-Op is located at 216 N. 4th Ave., in Ann Arbor. Membership costs $160 and payment plans are available. For more information, call 734-994-9174 or visit PeoplesFood.coop.