A cooperative (co-op) is a member-owned, democratically controlled business that exists to meet community needs—not to maximize shareholder profit. From credit unions to grocery stores, co-ops empower people to keep wealth local, strengthen social ties, and build a more sustainable future.
Celebrating Co-ops Internationally
Saturday, July 5, 2025, is the International Day of Cooperatives. While official observance by the United Nations (UN) started in 1995, this day has been celebrated since 1923 as a way to raise awareness of the cooperative model. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World”, highlighting the great work that has been done by cooperatives worldwide.
This year is also the International Year of Cooperatives, championing the theme of “Building a Better World Together”. This is to recognize the sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental initiatives that has been accomplished through the cooperative model. To celebrate this year, co-ops worldwide are collaborating to raise public awareness of the co-op model, promoting the growth and development of co-ops, advocating for supportive legal and policy frameworks, and inspiring leadership in the next generation.
What is a Cooperative? Benefits and Principles Explained
From credit unions to local grocery stores, cooperatives are everywhere. A cooperative business is one where many people own the business, as opposed to a few shareholders. Those who invest in the co-op are the ones who use it, whether that be customers living in the community, producers who supply the stock, or businesses selling the product.
Cooperatives are held accountable to the values of their members. All co-ops follow the 7 Cooperative Principles:
- Voluntary & Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy & Independence
- Education, Training & Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
These guidelines dictate how a cooperative interacts with the economy, community, and the environment.
Your Co-op: Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op
Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op is your co-op! If you are a member-owner, you own a piece of this delicious pie. Besides exclusive deals, you also earn patronage dividends, have a chance to vote for the Board of Directors, can run for a seat on our Board of Directors, and are invited to attend the Annual Member-Owner Meeting & Celebration to learn what else is coming to your co-op.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Mississippi Market Co-op supports and works with other cooperatives because we know that together, we can have a stronger impact. Let’s explore a few of the cooperatives whose products you can find on our shelves.
Frontier Co-op
Since 1976, Frontier Co-op has been producing organic spices for wholesale customers. They were the first major herb and spice distributor to recognize and actively promote the value of organics. To ensure the impact they have on global social and environmental issues, they support growers around the world by providing technical expertise and financial support. Through their “Well Earth” program, they invest in supplier resilience and work on transparency and traceability of products across our supply chain.
The Frontier Co-op is owned by its wholesale customers, meaning they are controlled by the members who order their goods to sell. You can find their herbs and spices on Mississippi Market Co-op shelves all year round.
Grab some of their excellent cinnamon for this summer picnic favorite, Grilled Strawberries.
Wisconsin Growers Cooperative
Wisconsin Growers Cooperative (WGC) was founded in 2006 to help 20 local Amish families maintain ownership of their farmland. It now consists of 30 small family farms in western Wisconsin dedicated to using organic farming methods and practices. Their growing philosophy centers around building and maintaining soil health to grow high-quality produce. More than 40 acres of the co-op’s land is farmed using horses, horse machinery, and hand tools.
Produce from Wisconsin Growers Cooperative can be found on our shelves over the summer during peak growing season. Watch for some of our Wisconsin Growers’ favorites, including tomatoes, green garlic, spinach, salad greens, radishes, asparagus, and herbs.
We look forward to their greens, which go very well with this Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange is a worker-owned cooperative that builds a more just and sustainable food system by putting power in the hands of the farmers and workers who own it. All owners share in the profits and losses, and vote on big investments to move the co-op forward. Equal Exchange partners with small farmer co-ops globally, reinforcing its commitment to equitable trade, transparency, and long-term relationships rooted in mutual support and economic justice.
You can find their chocolate, coffee, avocados, bananas, and tea on our shelves throughout the year.
Their bananas are perfect for this simple Banana Pudding recipe.
Join the Cooperative Movement
- Become a Member-Owner of Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op.
- Shop Co-op! Support the cooperative economy by purchasing from businesses that use the cooperative model.
- Learn more. Discover more benefits of supporting cooperatives.
- What is a Co-op?
- International Day of Cooperatives – July 5 | United Nations
- International Day of Cooperatives | Official Site
- Celebrating International Year of Cooperatives
- Our Co-op | Frontier Co-op
- Meet Wisconsin Growers Cooperative
- What is a Co-op, Anyway? | Equal Exchange
- Our Worker-Owned Cooperative | Equal Exchange