All Bulk Food Buying Clubs have the same underlying purpose: to provide nutritious food at a lower cost for registered members. 

​There are three common types of bulk buying programs: Food Box Programs, Food Cooperatives, and Bulk Buying Clubs. 

Food Box programs are typically managed by a third-party agency that buys food in bulk and distributes food boxes to members for a fee. 

Food Cooperatives are legally incorporated, cooperative organizations where members are owners, which gives them access to lower priced food purchased in bulk by the cooperative. 
(Think of the Co- Op Food Stores)

​Bulk buying clubs are often smaller, more informal groups of friends or neighbours that come together to buy food in bulk to save money.   Community Food Smart is bulk food buying club organized as a partnership of organizations, working together to provide their members with the opportunity to obtain nutritious fruits and vegetables at the lowest price.
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Why Start A Bulk Buying Club? 

Bulk food buying clubs can provide economic, health, educational, and social benefits to participants. By being involved in a bulk food buying club, participants can set up opportunities to enjoy the following benefits.

•      Save money on healthy foods by purchasing with others. 
•      Learn about the benefits of healthy eating and low cost  cooking. 
•      Build organizational, budgeting, and shopping skills. 
•      Learn how to use the Canada Food Guide. 
•      Get to know other families and learn about new foods, recipes, and cultures. 
•      Get more with their food dollar by purchasing large quantities as part of a group. 
•      Try new foods and learn about new recipes. 
•      Work in a social atmosphere and meet new friends! 

For more information on how to start your own bulk food buying club,  check out the Best Practices Toolkit. ​