October is National Co-op Month
Sean Miller, Grain Train Social Media Coordinator
October marks National Co-op Month, a time to celebrate what makes cooperatives like the Grain Train special — people working together to strengthen communities through shared values, fair business practices, and local investment. One of the most inspiring ways those values come to life is through co-op to co-op trade — a practice that keeps the cooperative spirit thriving from one business to another.
In simple terms, co-op to co-op trade means one cooperative buys directly from another. A grocery co-op, for example, might source its dairy from Cabot Creamery, or stock its shelves with fair trade coffee from Equal Exchange — both cooperatives themselves. It’s a business model that reflects the cooperative principle of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives”, ensuring that every transaction supports people and communities instead of distant shareholders.
This approach has tangible benefits for everyone involved. By removing intermediaries, co-ops can often reduce costs and return those savings to customers. It also strengthens relationships between mission-driven organizations that share the same priorities — fair pay, sustainability, and social responsibility. And because most food co-ops reinvest profits locally, these partnerships amplify the positive economic ripple effect within each community.
