Frequently Asked Questions

The food coop is a community-owned grocery store. Unlike traditional corporate grocery chains, the food coop operates for the benefit of the community.

Member-owners buy a share in the coop, which grants them voting rights, access to member benefits, and involvement in the democratically-operated store.

Member-owners typically receive financial benefits like discounts, and they can even earn a share of the coop’s profits through patronage dividends. This depends on what the member-owners choose! Members elect the coop’s board of directors and have an equal voting rights. This democratic approach is at the heart of the co-operative philosophy.

The benefits of member ownership also extend to the entire community. Coops keep money in the local economy, increase access for locally produced food, and prioritise business practices that are good for people and the planet.

Members are encouraged to participate in the decision-making process, often taking part in annual meetings and voting on key issues, including product selection, store maintenance, event planning and other issues that may arise. 

Becoming a member entails purchasing a one-time €1 share in the coop.

Yes, anyone can shop at the coop, however only members will be able to access the benefits previously outlined.

The food coop is a community-owned and democratically controlled one-stop shop for local products, sourced directly from Maltese farmers and producers - designed to serve the needs of the community.

Shopping at the food coop will not be more expensive than regular grocery shop, and has the possibility of being cheaper than regular grocery shops as we are not importing products incurring less costs and buying directly from producers and farmers! Members will benefit from additional discounts. 

As the first community-owned co-operative in Malta, this initiative is being financed by the Malta Food Agency and Koperattivi Malta for the first 2 years.

Profits are re-invested back into the food coop at the benefit of members and producers. This means better and cheaper products for members, constant maintenance of the shop, and higher wages for workers!

Yes, really! The share is low to ensure accessibility for people from all backgrounds who share the same vision and believe in the co-operative model.

The food coop, Triq il-Pitkali, Ta’ Qali