Buffalo East Side Food Co-op Interest Meeting Draws Crowd

Residents discussed what a community-owned grocery could look like on the East Side.

Community ownership as a strategy

An interest meeting explored the idea of a member-owned food cooperative with priorities on affordability, local sourcing, and stable employment.

Attendees raised questions about pricing, membership costs, and long-term sustainability.

Key themes

  • Keep dollars circulating locally
  • Offer culturally relevant foods
  • Hire and train neighborhood residents

Organizers plan follow-up sessions on governance and financing.