The Belfast Co-op is an outgrowth of a grassroots effort by 70’s-era back-to-the-landers seeking access to good food at a fair price: a unifying story among food co-ops across the country during this period. Essential support came from pre-order natural foods food-buying clubs in the region, particularly the Friends Co-op in Liberty-Montville which realized that after three years operating as a buying club, there was more than sufficient community interest to open a brick-and-mortar natural foods store in downtown Belfast.
In 1976, the Belfast Co-op opened it’s first storefront at 16 Upper Main Street, with an old wood floor and a sizable parlor stove. Our motto “All are welcome” was born. Working out of an 800 square foot shop, our pre-order activity attracted new member-owners daily and the Co-op grew to accommodate orders from non-members as well. It was very loosely run, with a Board of Directors more committed to providing good food for the community than making money, and monthly meetings which took place in people’s homes and always included a potluck supper.
