These coops have two or more membership classes that are being widely used in Local Food Systems. They come together at the table to discuss needs means that the business will be based on, other than price value. Shortening the value chain into one business cuts costs for everyone. Often processors or distributors are part of the board of directors. This type of business can guarantee farmers a market and consumers quality, local produce.

Multi-stakeholder Cooperative Handbook
This handbook provides the initial information needed to form a multi-stakeholder cooperative.

Starting an Online, Local Food Co-op; Idaho’s Bounty case study
These articles provide guidance to distributing local foods online.