The Teviot Food Co-Op
A sustainable, community-led solution
Imagine a place where neighbours and friends come together to grow their own fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables, share their knowledge, and build a thriving community of gardeners.
A community food co-op and garden is just that — a place to nourish your body and soul!
We set up the Teviot Co-op in 2021 through the JustFACT and Women’s Environmental Network’s funding programme to support sustainable urban food systems. Now, it’s a thriving, busy co-op running twice a week from the Teviot Centre.
The food co-op is a great success. Local people really value the service and have been keen to learn about the fruits and vegetables they’re unfamiliar with, so we also run sessions to show people how to cook them and share recipes.
Growing our own
Organiclea is a workers’ coop based on the edge of Epping Forest in the Lea valley. They grow fruit, vegetables and herbs at the Hawkwood Nursery market garden outdoors and under glass. They’re one of the suppliers we use at The Teviot Centre and an inspiration for our community garden.
Our suppliers
We’re often asked where the fruits and vegetables we sell in the co-op come from. We work with several organic farms and suppliers keen to see more people eating organically-grown vegetables and fruit.
If you’re interested in finding out about our new community gardening project, drop-in to the Centre or contact us.
What is a food co-op?
Food co-ops are usually run by the community for the community, on a not-for-profit basis. They sell or sometimes give away produce at affordable prices and rely on the support of volunteers. Lots of food co-ops open for a day or a week, fortnight or monthly – and some open daily.
Affordable organic food
Many people choose organic food because they believe it simply tastes better. Organic farming methods promote soil health and plant biodiversity, organic produce often has a fuller, richer flavour. Organic fruits and vegetables are typically grown in smaller quantities and harvested when ripe, which can enhance their taste but can also make them more expensive.
Our Supporters & Partners
We’re very grateful to our food co-op and community garden funders and partners.
