Egg prices will probably not drop anytime soon, and they will likely increase. The USDA predicts that egg prices will rise nearly 20% this year, compared to just over 2% for other food items.
If you or your family eat a lot of eggs, you already know how much this will increase your grocery bill. But there are places where you can purchase eggs (and other groceries) at significantly lower prices than traditional grocery stores: food co-operatives. For example, the Park Slope Food Co-op sells organic, pasture-raised eggs for $3.84 a dozen. Similar eggs cost nearly $9 in other grocery stores.
Food co-ops explained
A food co-op is a grocery store owned and operated by the people who shop there, often referred to as member-owners. They elect board members and participate in decision-making.
Joining a co-op
To become a member-owner, community members typically make a small investment (usually between $100 and $200), which is refundable if they end their membership. Depending on the family’s income, this investment may also be waived or reduced.
How are prices so low?
Unlike traditional supermarkets, food co-ops aren’t designed to make a profit. Payroll is often a grocery store’s largest expense, but co-ops can offset operating costs by having members work shifts.
Most co-ops require member-owners to work a two to three-hour shift every four to six weeks. Some co-ops don’t have a work requirement but may offer lower prices to members who do work.
Food co-ops reduce costs by sourcing produce from local farmers, supporting them in the process.
Who can shop at a co-op
Some co-ops only allow members to shop in the store. Others allow non-members to shop, but they will pay higher prices.
Co-ops throughout the boroughs
If you are interested in joining a food co-op, the locations are below. There is no co-op in Queens, but a group of advocates is working to bring one to the community.
782 Union Street
Brooklyn
1415 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn
1083 Fulton Street
Brooklyn
58 East 4th Street.
Manhattan
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