Our Co-op

Welcome To The Friendly City Food Co-Op

Your Community Source For Local, Organic & Natural Products

Everyone is welcome to shop at the Friendly City Food Co-op! Our shelves are stocked with the highest quality local, organic and natural food, as well as everyday essentials—all carefully selected to ensure that our community can live healthy, informed lifestyles and shop with confidence.

Our Departments

Find Fresh & Flavorful Foods From Sources You Can Trust

At the Co-op, you’ll find natural, delicious and local food in every aisle. Our qualified staff diligently source our products from local farms and brands we trust—taking the guesswork out of your shopping experience.

Produce

Bulk

Meat

Dry Grocery

Beer & Wine

Dairy

Frozen

Deli & Bakery

Wellness

View Our Departments

Our Weekly Hot Bar

Extensive Range Of Allergen-Friendly & Dietary Restriction Products

We offer a wide range of options in our store and hot bar that are allergen-friendly and for those with dietary restrictions, including tons of organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.

View Our Hot Bar

Your Local Grocery Store

When You Shop Local,
You Prioritize People & The Planet.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint & Support Local Farmers

Filling your fridge with food from the co-op is a powerful commitment to sustainable living. You’re helping reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances and directly supporting the livelihood of local farmers.

For Community, By Community

Our Co-op is a community-driven hub committed to creating positive change in the Shenandoah Valley. We do this through programs such as Round Up For Change, our Community Fund, the Give Fresh program, food donations and local event sponsorships.

Support Living-Wage Jobs That Sustain Our Economy

We provide a living wage for all of our team members and health benefits for our full-time team. By choosing the co-op as your grocery store, you stand behind these values.

Explore Our Vendors

No Membership Required:

Everyone Can Shop With Us!

This isn’t Costco—you don’t have to flash a membership card or pay a fee to walk in our doors.

Our food co-op welcomes everyone to shop at any time. The choice to become an owner comes with additional perks, discounts and voting rights, but ownership is not a requirement for day-to-day shopping!

Become An Owner Explore The Benefits

Your Community Co-op!

What Is A Food Co-Op, Anyway?

A food co-op isn’t an ordinary grocery store—it’s a democratic cooperative managed by its owners and a Board of Directors.

Unlike for-profit businesses, our co-op’s profits are reinvested directly back into our business or distributed to co-op owners to better serve our local community.

Ultimately, it’s a business based on community and sustainability.

What The Co-op Stands For:

The 7 Cooperative Principles

Co-ops are more than business as usual. Cooperative businesses are honest, open and fair, behave with integrity, and remain accountable for their actions.

Voluntary & Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.

Members’ Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.

Autonomy & Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

Education, Training & Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

Concern For Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

Our Story

How We Became A Community-Owned Food Co-Op.

2006
A Seed Was Planted
The seeds of our Co-op were planted when the Little Grill asked the community if they wanted to turn their natural food store into a co-op. Everyone agreed—Harrisonburg needed a food co-op—but the timing and location weren’t right.
2007
The Vision Took Root
A determined group of 20 community members continued meeting and by July of 2007, they formally incorporated the co-op.
2010
We Found Our Ground
With the support of over 1,000 owners, we found the perfect downtown location and began a historic renovation that prioritized green design.
June 6, 2011
Co-op Opens To The Public
Our doors officially opened to the public on June 6, 2011. Finally—Harrisonburg had access to fresh and locally sourced food seven days a week.
2015
Our Offerings Grew
We fine-tuned our store layout, began selling beer and wine and started offering a daily hot food bar.
2020-21
Exciting Expansion
We grew from 4,600 to 6,400 sq. ft., added a new kitchen and produce prep area and expanded our café seating.

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Shop & Save

Shop At Friendly City Food Co-op & Build A Healthier Community.

Discover savings at our co-op—whether you prefer strolling through aisles or the convenience of shopping online, anyone can shop and save with us!

Shop Online Ways To Save

Get In Touch!

We Want To Hear From You!

Whether you have a question, product suggestion, or just want to say hello, we want to hear from you. Drop us a line & let’s continue building a healthier and more connected community together.

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