In basic terms, a co-operative is a business enterprise that is owned and operated according to the wishes of its members. Each member has an equal share of the business and an equal say in how it is run. In the case of Thoughtful Foods, this means that the shop is run 100% by its members, who receive benefits for their work in the form of discounts on shop products.

Co-ops come in a range of different forms. These include: growers co-ops, workers co-ops, producer co-ops and consumer co-ops. Thoughtful Foods is a consumer co-op; that is, we provide consumer foods for sale to our members and the UNSW and local community. Thoughtful Foods is also a member of Co-ops NSW.