This effort is part of a collaboration between the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) and Dorchester Food Co-op (DFC) to build a more just, sustainable and resilient food system in Dorchester, Boston and beyond.
The mission of the DORCHESTER FOOD CO-OP is to challenge the traditional food system by building a community and worker-owned asset that nourishes, employs, and reinvests in the local community.
~ We believe that everyone has the right to wholesome food ~
~ Cooperation is our approach. Justice is our goal! ~
11-10-25: Thank you for the donations since August!! You have made it clear through donations and shopping, that you value DFC's mission and feel it is a needed community-owned asset for Boston. Your on-going donations are still needed and welcome through this go-fund-me, to support store operations. Of course, increased sales at DFC is very important. Subscribe to our newsletter, Linktree, Facebook and InstaGram to find out when we will launch our on-line food shopping platform to make it easier for more people to shop with our mission and values in mind! Coming soon!!
Note: DFC's "Neighbors feed Neighbors" ROUND UP fund is separate from this go-fund-me page. To give to the "Neighbors feed Neighbors" ROUND UP fund, round up your bill at the register in store. You can also give any additional amount in-store, at the register through the ROUND UP fund. If you can't come to the store, checks written to "Dorchester Food Co-op" with "ROUND UP fund" in the memo line are appreciated. Mail to: Dorchester Food Co-op, 195 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester MA 02122. The ROUND UP funds will be distributed by trusted partner organizations.
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8-15-25: Urgent: DFC is facing Closure in two months if sales do not increase. (click HERE for all communications)
Each week, the Co-op needs an increase in sales or else the cash reserves for operational costs will run out in two short months!
Here’s what you can do starting today:
- Shop Your Values First – Make The Co-op a regular grocery stop. Every purchase grows sales.
- Spread the Word – Tell friends, neighbors, and co-workers about our store and mission.
- Give What You Can – Make a monthly pledge or one-time donation, for any amount, to help raise $500,000 to supplement sales for the next year.
- Order Catering – Choose the Co-op for community-made food for all your events. For catering, call Sandra at (617) [phone redacted].
- Special Bulk Orders – email [email redacted] , “SUBJECT: Special Bulk Order request” to order products by the case. (*bulk case orders receive a 10% discount.)
- Attend monthly Board Meetings, usually the first month of each month: See emails for details.
We invite all who believe in our mission to be part of this food justice movement.
Dorchester Food Co-op, Boston's only food co-op, opened Oct. 14, 2023.
Come shop at DFC, located at 195 Bowdoin St. Dorchester MA. 02122
Open Daily, except major holidays. Mon - Sat. 8a-8p; Sun. 9a-8p.
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Not a member yet? No matter where they live, EVERYONE is welcome to become a member-owner, not just Dorchester residents. And the store is open to the public, so EVERYONE can shop there, not just member-owners. Click HERE to learn how to become a member-owner.
Please share this Go Fund Me page on your social media to spread the word!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WITH A MATCHING GIFT
Many companies match the donations their employees make. This means that you can double your impact after you give to Dorchester Food Co-op just by requesting a matching gift from your employer. Companies usually match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some match at a 2:1, 3:1, or even a 4:1 ratio! Please check with your employer or HR department for details. If they provide a matching gift claim form, please complete it and send it to us at: Dorchester Food Co-op, 195 Bowdoin St., Dorchester, MA 02122
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READ MORE ABOUT DORCHESTER FOOD CO-OP
In 2012, neighbors gathered to discuss the policies and practices that cause limited food access and the lack of investment in our community. Through a series of resident-led planning meetings, we developed a vision of a cooperative market that will:
~ reflect and build power for local residents while working with
partners to strengthen a robust, local food system.
~ weave educational programs around food, health and social justice
into the culture of our co-op.
~ recognize the unequal impact of climate change on
Communities of Color
For the past 10+ years, we created a strong cooperative led by member-owners and Board Members who represent Dorchester's and Boston’s racial and cultural diversity. We’ve built a strong plan, developed partnerships, and organized programs to increase food access, economic investment and public health in our community including:
~ Boston’s first "Winter Farmers’ Market" right here in Dorchester at Codman Sq.
~ “Fresh Fridays” outdoors summer café
~ Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in partnership with urban farms
~ “PopUp” farm stands at senior centers
~ “Green New Deal Dance Fest,” featuring climate justice work in our communities.
Shop with us! Spread the word! Volunteer! Donate!
Thank you for your support!
Organizer
Cooperative Development Institute
Beneficiary