A co-op is short for a food cooperative. In many communities, food cooperatives are food distribution outlets with organic, local produce, dairy, and meat with the convience of a grocery store. Co-ops across the worlds have their own rules and regulations. At the Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn, N.Y., members join the coop and work there once every four weeks in exchange for a 20-40 percents on groceries. The Mariposa Food Co-op in Philadelphia has more than 1,500 members and offers a 5 percent discount for all members, while members who work at the co-op receive a 10 percent discount.
Jessica Reilly/The Telegraph Herald/AP/File
