The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative Group is the UK's largest consumer co-operative and is made up of a family of businesses including food retailing, banking, insurance, travel, pharmacy, funeral care and legal services. As a co-operative it is owned and democratically controlled by its members.
The links between the Co-operative Group and Community Co-operatives can be traced back to the end of the 1970's when the Group was contacted by the Highlands and Islands Development Board with a request to supply products to the Community Co-operatives which were starting up in the Western Isles.
The Group has continued to offer significant support to Community Co-operatives and has been instrumental in setting up the Network:
Community Food Discount Card
Any community organisation that meets the criteria can obtain a Community Food Discount Card which provides a 10% discount for purchases from Co-operative Group retail store.
Co-op Buddy Stores
The community stores are linked to a supportive Co-op 'buddy' store in their area where they can order goods using their discount card.