About 4th Street

The 4th Street Food Co-op is a member-run cooperative grocer in the East Village providing high-quality, organic, bulk food and household products.

We stock a variety of local, organic and fair-trade goods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, bulk, and zero-waste items. We’re open to the public and offer discounts to SNAP recipients, seniors, students and members.

Our store front at 58 4th Street.
Our store front at 58 4th Street.

What’s a Cooperative?

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

– International Co-operative Alliance

Our Core Values

Ethics
The 4th Street Food Coop makes it convenient to support local and independently owned businesses that have strong principles. We stock fair trade products when possible. By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, fair trade organizations foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and their communities.

Dedication
We make it easy to feel good about your purchases and support people who are doing good work. Our commitment to ethics, quality and pedigree of product differentiates us from commercial grocery stores only concerned with the cost, turnover, and profit margin of goods.

Environmentally Friendly
We’re powered by 100% wind power through New Wind Energy. All of the household products we sell are environmentally friendly, and many are reusable or package-free.

Community-Oriented
We share common values and wish to support an organization that makes it possible for the community to purchase locally grown, vegetarian, fair trade, high-quality, organic products at a reasonable price. The co-op is our co-op.

Progressive
Working with other community groups that share similar values, we support local fundraisers and charitable organizations. We want to make New York City – and the world – a better place and we offer products that reflect this goal.

History

In 1995, we replaced the Good Food Coop, which began in 1973 as a buying club and became a storefront food cooperative. We evolved into a mostly-organic health food store. We are presently run by unpaid working members, who work in exchange for a discount. We are comprised of non-working members and working members, forming a core structure of 9 working groups responsible for the operation of the coop.

Press

The 4th Street Food Co-op made The Village Voice best of 2016 list!

New York Magazine and the Villager mentioned us.

Produce Business Magazine, Dec. 2016 article
Produce Business Magazine, Dec. 2016
 
Produce and Politics Mix at 4th Street Food Co-op. The Villager. Jun. 17, 2009. Page 1.
Produce and Politics Mix at 4th Street Food Co-op. The Villager. Jun. 17, 2009. Page 1.
Produce and Politics Mix at 4th Street Food Co-op. The Villager. Jun. 17, 2009. Page 2.
Produce and Politics Mix at 4th Street Food Co-op. The Villager. Jun. 17, 2009. Page 2.
Organic David, Organic Goliath. New York Times Jan. 14. 2007 Article.
Organic David, Organic Goliath. New York Times Jan. 14. 2007
 
Commune on 4th Street. New York Press. Apr. 12, 2008.
Commune on 4th Street. New York Press. Apr. 12, 2008.