What is a co-op? 🌻

You might have heard the word “co-op” before, but what does it actually mean?

A co-op, short for cooperative, is a business owned by the people who make up its community. Instead of being owned by outside shareholders or a big corporation, a co-op is built around people coming together to support something they believe in.

That’s what La Montañita Food Co-op is all about.

For 50 years, our members and communities have helped build a grocery store centered around good food, local farmers, sustainability, and a stronger local economy. 💛

And here’s something you might not know: you don’t have to be a member to shop at the Co-op! Everyone is welcome to come through our doors, whether you’re picking up a few things for dinner, stocking up on local favorites, or just stopping by to see what we have.

Our stores are filled with fresh produce, New Mexico-made products, bulk foods, wellness items, prepared foods, organic groceries, and plenty of other good things. And when you shop with us, you’re helping support local farmers, ranchers, makers, and small businesses throughout New Mexico and the region.

So, what does membership mean?

When you become a member, you become an owner of the Co-op alongside your neighbors. It’s a way to have a deeper connection to the business you’re supporting, while also receiving member benefits and helping us continue our mission of putting people and community at the heart of what we do.

For five decades, we’ve believed that food can be about more than what ends up in your grocery cart. It can support local agriculture, bring people together, strengthen our communities, and create positive change.

That’s what being a co-op is all about.

With four locations across New Mexico, we’re proud to keep building on that idea — together.

Come see what good food can do. 💛

For more information about La Montañita Food Co-op, visit:

lamontanita.coop