If you're hungry for an alternative to your ordinary grocery shopping options, the London Co-op Store may be just the thing you're looking for. Founded in 1970 in response to the high prices of foods found in health stores, the Co-op has been a unique place for Londoners to purchase local natural foods for over four decades.

What makes the Co-op truly unique is its roots in the community. The store is a non-profit operation that features only natural, locally produced goods that are minimally packaged and processed and grown by independent farmers. Further, in order to shop at the Coop, you must become a member and invest in it as well.

To belong to the Co-op, you must support it; members all own shares in the store, paid in annual loans of $40 and weekly service charges that go towards covering the costs of operating it. Weekly fees are determined by the amount of people you're shopping for — roughly indicative of how much food you will regularly purchase from the store — and are offset by volunteer work shifts.

Members who volunteer are waived the weekly service fees in exchange for their time and effort put in around the store performing the usual sort of tasks required to maintain a grocery: stocking shelves, cleaning the store or performing cashier duties. Additionally, annual general meetings are called at which members are all able to vote to find democratic solutions to the decisions requiring attention as the store grows, with each household afforded one vote.

It's that kind of devotion to the Co-op that makes members so loyal and willing to do their part; the Co-op is a product of the hard work and devotion of each of its members, and has thrived for over 40 years on the principle that you get out of it what you put in. If you're browsing for a store that not only provides the finest in organic locally produced foods but also reinforces a sense of community and belonging and provides opportunity for volunteer work, look no further than 621 Princess Ave. in downtown London.

For more information on the London Coop Store or for membership inquiries, contact 519—679—0570 by phone or visit londonfoodcoop.org.

What they sell
• organically grown fruits and vegetables

• organically produced meat and dairy

• vegetarian and vegan alternatives to meat and dairy

• all-natural bread and baked goods

• health brand grocery products

• fair trade coffees and teas

• naturally sourced vitamins and other supplements

• natural health and beauty products

• environmentally friendly household products

• magazines and other miscellaneous items.