Food buying clubs provide another way to stretch food dollars, though they do not necessarily emphasize locally produced food. These programs operate by bringing many people together to cooperatively purchase food. Because of the large volume of the purchase, the cooperative enjoys wholesale prices and the cost saving is passed along to the consumer. Typically, a “food share” purchased through a food buying club costs the members about 50% of what it would in a traditional retail market. The food is generally passed out to members monthly at a mass distribution site, such as a community center or service organization. There are usually no income or eligibility guidelines for participation. Here are some food buying clubs in New York: Self Help and Resource Exchange (SHARE) 718 518-1513 (sites located primarily in downstate New York and some other areas of NY); Extra Helpings c/o the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York 518-786-3691 (sites throughout northeastern New York); Food Sense c/o Food Bank of Central New York 315-437-1899 (sites in central New York).

Chenango County’s Bullthistle Bounty: A Locally Grown Food Buying Club

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• Ending Hunger through Community Food Organizing
  
• Seed and Seedling Distribution Program & Community Gardens
  
• Community Supported Agriculture
  
• Food Rescue and Gleaning Programs
  
• Farmers’ Markets and Roadside Stands
  
• Grow an Extra Row!
  
• Useful links for more Community Food Security information