Review: Berkeley Student Food Collective

You've probably walked by Berkeley Student Food Collective on Bancroft a few times before, assuming it's a high-priced organic specialty store.  When I walked in for the first time, I was surprised to find prices on organic items that rivaled Safeway (with coupons). The Collective's mission brings to the table the concept of the shared collective ownership of a business, for young students.  It allows Berkeley students to participate in ownership of a business with only a small time commitment.

At the Berkeley Student Food Collective, you'll find that the produce and other food items they sell there are often cheaper than big grocery stores; how is this possible?  It's a collective, meaning it has a group of members (Berkeley students) who each have voting rights in the business as well as a discount, and in return, they perform short weekly volunteer shift (apply here!). This allows the grocery store to sell their food nearly at cost.  Additionally, the store dedicates itself to both sustainable practices and educating the public on clean and sustainable food choices.  If you shop at BSFC, you will be supporting a local business, and a part of your money will go to education on sustainable eating!