Village Greens

Village Greens Co-op was born out of a collective vision by a group of local residents in Prestwich who dared to dream of a different kind of grocery store. Founded in June 2014, it was established as a community-owned cooperative, funded by over 400 founder members who invested their own money to bring the idea to life. This strong foundation of community ownership is central to its identity and operations.

Mission and Vision: More Than Just a Shop

Village Greens' mission is to provide a community grocery, offering an alternative shopping experience to supermarkets where consumers can buy high quality organic fresh fruit and vegetables together with whole foods and natural products at competitive prices.

Their broader vision is to help the Prestwich and North Manchester community lead healthy, happy, and sustainable lives. They aim to be a true hub for community health and happiness within Prestwich, and to remain part of the community for the long term.

Core Philosophy: Ethics, Sustainability, and Community Ownership

Village Greens operates on a set of deeply ingrained values:

• Fairness: Committed to trading honestly and ethically with all growers, producers, and suppliers.
• Sustainability: Prioritising environmentally friendly practices, including reducing food miles, promoting zero-waste options, and sourcing organically.
• Health: Providing access to nutritious, high-quality organic and whole foods.
• Human Connection: Fostering a welcoming atmosphere where neighbours can connect, chat, and participate in community life.
• Democratic Control: As a co-op, it operates on a "one member, one vote" principle, regardless of the number of shares owned, ensuring community oversight and direction.

They believe that people shouldn't have to pay a premium for local, organic food, and that buying only what you need makes good quality food more affordable while cutting down on waste.

Key Pillars of Operation and Services:

Village Greens Co-op delivers its mission through several key areas:

1. Ethical and Sustainable Grocery Offering:

   • Organic Fresh Produce: A wide variety of organic fruit and vegetables, with a strong emphasis on sourcing locally from Lancashire and Cheshire when in season, and then within the UK.
   • Whole Foods: A comprehensive range of bulk whole foods, encouraging customers to bring their own containers for refills, significantly reducing packaging waste.
   • Ethically Sourced Goods: Every product is chosen with care, including local artisan products, ethically sourced local goods, local beers, wines, cheeses, organic meat, dairy, and deli produce.
   • Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: A strong focus on catering to diverse dietary needs.
   • Eco-friendly Household & Personal Care: Stocking a range of environmentally kinder and cruelty-free cleaning products and toiletries, many available as refills.

2. Community Hub and Engagement:

   • Community Space: The upcoming new premises (moving to the former Prestwich Social building on Fairfax Road) will feature a dedicated community space for local groups to meet for free, workshops, community cooking demos, and local maker markets.
   • Community Fridge: They run a Community Fridge, supporting food redistribution and reducing waste in the wider community.
   • Support for Local Initiatives: They host a pre-loved school uniform rail and support local food banks.
   • Events and Activities: Currently hosts events and workshops, and the new space will allow for even more, including family-friendly activities. They are actively involved in local events like the Artisan Market and Clough Day.
   • Volunteer-Powered: Relies heavily on an "army of volunteers" alongside paid staff, fostering a strong sense of ownership and collective effort.

3. Co-operative Membership Model:

   • Co-ownership: For a minimum investment of £100 (100 shares at £1 each), individuals can become co-owners of the shop.
   • Democratic Voice: Members have a vote in all major decisions, helping to shape the future and direction of the co-op.
   • Member Benefits: Members receive a membership card, often providing regular discounts on key products throughout the year.
   • Investment in Community: The membership model provides vital capital for the shop's operations and growth, directly linking community support to business viability.

Current Developments: The Big Move

In 2024, Village Greens Co-op announced a significant move to a new, larger home just around the corner, to the former Prestwich Social building on Fairfax Road. This relocation is critical for the co-op's long-term sustainability and growth. The new premises will enable them to:

• Expand Product Range: Offer an even wider selection of organic, ethical goods.
• Introduce a Café: Create a cosy café serving fresh, local, and ethically sourced food and drink, providing another space for community gathering.
• Enhance Zero-Waste Options: Offer a larger zero-waste refill wall.
• Grow Support for Local Suppliers: More space will allow them to work with and champion even more local producers and makers.

To facilitate this move, Village Greens launched an ambitious fundraising campaign, inviting their loyal customers and neighbours to contribute, once again relying on the community spirit that founded them.

Impact and Recognition: A Hub of Conscious Living

Village Greens Co-op has become far more than just a grocery store for many in Prestwich. Its impact is multifaceted:

• A Lifeline: Provides accessible, high-quality food for conscious consumers.
• Community Anchor: Serves as a vital meeting place and hub for social connection, fostering community resilience.
• Environmental Champion: Actively promotes sustainable living, zero-waste practices, and ethical consumption.
• Economic Catalyst: Supports local producers and keeps money circulating within the local economy.
• Inspiring Model: Stands as a successful example of how a community-owned business can thrive by prioritising values over profit, and contribute significantly to the well-being of its local area.

Village Greens Co-op is a testament to the power of collective action, demonstrating that a community-driven approach can create a successful, ethical, and beloved local institution.