Owned by the community
We answer to our friends and neighbors, not to Wall Street. Our member-owners are our shareholders, they elect our board, and everyone is welcome to shop.
About us
Your co-op, your community
Fort Collins Food Co-op, also known as Mountain Avenue Market, is a member-owned grocery store and a cornerstone of Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.
Our story
In early 1972, a group of CSU students started a buying club, pooling their money to buy whole cases of food together. The club grew into a storefront with scoop-your-own bulk shopping.
More than fifty years later we're still Fort Collins' only member-owned cooperative grocery store. We still promote healthy, sustainable food choices, we still support the local economy, and we still help shoppers save money and cut packaging waste through bulk buying.
Because our members own us, and not a corporation, we can respond quickly and directly to what our community needs.
The food co-op difference
Dollars stay local
We believe in recirculating money in the local economy, and we're often the first to offer shelf space to new local vendors.
Less waste
Responsible recycling, composting, food donation and bulk shopping are part of how we run the store.
We value farmland over sprawl, we help people learn about their food, and we put local and organic first, every day.
What you'll find
- Produce: hundreds of Colorado-sourced items, all year
- Bulk: 200+ items, including olive oil, honey, household staples, and loose tea and herbs
- Grab & Go deli: healthy soups, sandwiches and salads made in-house, with vegan and vegetarian choices and rotating options for omnivores
- Meat, dairy and cheese: local and grass-fed natural meats, local dairy, and sustainable seafood
- Bakery: goods from nearby providers
- Body care and supplements
Our new home
After many years at our old location, the co-op moved to 1100 W Mountain Ave, the former Beavers Market. A grocery store needs room to grow: a bigger store means room for a wider selection, a shot at better wholesale pricing, and an easier trip for shoppers who want to do a full week's shopping in one go.
We're also honest about prices. Because we've been a small store, our distributors haven't given us the volume pricing the big chains get, so some items cost more here. Growing helps with that, and we're committed to offering more affordable staples.
Want to help? Become a member-owner, come to a board meeting, or just shop with us.