Selling food from the community for the community has seen the Flame Tree Community Food Co-op in Thirroul go from strength-to-strength.
Co-ops do not work for profit, rather they work for the community and aim for financial sustainability. Flame Tree operates on a volunteer basis, which keeps costs down and food is sourced locally.
Selling everything from organic pasta to chai tea, the store stocks staple items as well as delicacies that aren’t native to the supermarket, such as freekeh (a cereal made from green wheat).
One of the Flame Tree Co-op’s key features is the way it avoids throw-away packaging. Instead, they use jars and containers instead of disposable items, like plastic bags.
All food items are placed into the jars or containers by customers and then weighed to determine the price. Discounts are available for members and volunteers.
BY OLIVIA FUNNELL