The Food Conspiracy Co-op was born in 1971, when a group of Tucson residents formed a buying club. These original members used their collective purchasing power to get natural food products, which were largely unavailable in stores at that time. The original co-op store occupied one storefront on 4th Avenue, and over the years expanded into three more adjacent storefronts.
In the early years, the co-op was run as a collective, with all of the approximately 20 employees holding joint responsibility for decision-making. Eventually, the current model of a Management Team led by a general manager was adopted. As the natural foods industry has blossomed in recent years, health food has become available at many other retailers in Tucson.
In the early years, the co-op was run as a collective, with all of the approximately 20 employees holding joint responsibility for decision-making. Eventually, the current model of a Management Team led by a general manager was adopted. As the natural foods industry has blossomed in recent years, health food has become available at many other retailers in Tucson.
Services
Conspiracy News is distributed to over 4,000 Co-op Owners in either hardcopy or e-mail format and is also distributed in-store to visitors and other customers. Each edition features articles on local and organic products, the natural foods industry, healthy living, sustainability, recipes and environmental issues impacting our Southern Arizona community and the Co-op Ownership.
Food Conspiracy Co-op is celebrating 50 years of Cooperation by undertaking a project our Owners and community have wanted for a long time. Our East Entrance Project will transform our Co-op by opening an entrance to the rear of our store while integrating our properties into a campus design concept with intentional green spaces and increased parking (33 parking spots!).
The Board of Directors (BOD) consists of nine members elected by our Owners each serving a term of three years or other available shorter terms when applicable. BOD Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. All Owners are welcome to attend meetings, and 10 minutes of open Owner time for comments or questions are scheduled on every meeting agenda.
The name of the organization is Food Conspiracy Cooperative (referred to in these bylaws as "the co-op"). The co-op is a cooperative corporation organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota.
As more fully stated in its articles of incorporation, the purpose for which the co-op is organized is to furnish groceries and other consumer goods and services to its owners and other patrons, and to conduct its operations exclusively on a cooperative and nonprofit basis.The co-op shall not arbitrarily discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or otherwise.
As more fully stated in its articles of incorporation, the purpose for which the co-op is organized is to furnish groceries and other consumer goods and services to its owners and other patrons, and to conduct its operations exclusively on a cooperative and nonprofit basis.The co-op shall not arbitrarily discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or otherwise.
The Food Conspiracy is committed to providing the highest quality natural and organic foods and related products to our members and the greater Tucson community. The Food Conspiracy is also committed to expanding the selection of organic produce and products available in the store, and to network with and support organic producers and suppliers.
Reviews (26)
Jane Booth
Jan 20, 2022
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Sojourner Pia Bliss
Dec 29, 2021
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Wonderful natural good grocer cooperatively owned. You cam buy in which I did over the course of like 12 years or you can just shop. The produce is top notch and they have a great selection of other food items as well as supplements vitamins herbs and alternative medicines. They also have a nice wine selection. In terms of size I'd say it's just a bit smaller than a Trader Joe's. A little on the expensive side though so I can't do any major shopping but it's a great place to pick up one or two items.
Tree Plant
Dec 19, 2021
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I’m disappointed that this store doesn’t seem to have a parking lot for customers. Appears to only be street parking. I don’t live nearby but would stock up on good quality items from the co-op, but not if I have to lug my groceries down the street. If I’m wrong and there is a customer parking lot, I’d like to know.
Erik Binggeser
Dec 12, 2021
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Jimmy P.
Nov 23, 2021
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Conspiracy coop has removed several good items from the shelf. Specifically kamut flakes. There is way to much oatmeal. We can get oatmeal anywhere, but we depended on the coop to offer more unique items such as kamut flakes. Kamut is a healthier replacement to oatmeal.
Also, please remove canola oil from your baked goods, canola oil is very bad for health. I'm surprised a store that sells a lot of health foods and herbs even adds canola oil in their own products.
Also, please remove canola oil from your baked goods, canola oil is very bad for health. I'm surprised a store that sells a lot of health foods and herbs even adds canola oil in their own products.
Hannah Stewart
Nov 20, 2021
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Prices are a bit inflated, but that's to be expected given that it's both a community-owned store and a bit more healthy (for lack of a better term). However, it's worth it for the locale and the sake of supporting local businesses. They have a lot of gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc. options, and many of them are actually cheaper than the same product would be at a standard grocery store (and especially a place like Whole Foods). A nice surprise was that their non-prepared foods aren't taxed. Plus their employees are very friendly and they don't use plastic bags!
Camille G.
Nov 09, 2021
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I've found myself shopping at the Co-op more and more as I am consistently impressed with their high quality produce, particularly their fruit. I was tired of buying fruit at regular grocery stores only to have it be bland/tasteless, near expiration, or just plain moldy. I don't know how they do it but the produce at the co-op never disappoints!
Another reason I find myself shopping here more is because they carry so many local items. I'm always working towards minimizing my carbon footprint and I feel shopping local supports that (and this includes not only the shop being local
Another reason I find myself shopping here more is because they carry so many local items. I'm always working towards minimizing my carbon footprint and I feel shopping local supports that (and this includes not only the shop being local
Charles Stickles
Nov 04, 2021
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Above average for CO-OP’s. They were patient with me even when I was a bit agitated about something that I could politely say was miscommunication, I suppose. I would like to strongly and politely suggested the removal of ALL Canola oil from your baked but goods etc. It is an EXTREMELY unhealthy oil in ALL forms. I would be more than happy to share information with you on this. I understand it has a low cost point and has a high heat tolerance. There are better ways. I truly believe they are trying to promote good health. Canola and other processed semisynthetic oils lead to a plethora of health
M. M.
Oct 28, 2021
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Great local co-op in the heart of Tucson's hip artistic district. Clean, well organized and stocked market with a wide variety of items. Happily discovered they have a water refill station, a gender neutral restroom for paying customers (you need to ask for the Schlage code to gain access), and local artisan's items for sale.
Sarah Goldberg
Oct 17, 2021
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Just wow. I’m from out of town and stopped here twice. The produce is of a top-notch quality. They have such a stellar selection of gluten free and vegan options. And their case of baked goods is out of this world. I grew up on the east coast and it has been a MINUTE since I’ve had a legitimate bagel. These bagels are the real freaking deal. This store is doing cool things!
Rachel Hiner
Aug 18, 2021
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Dee O.
Aug 04, 2021
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Kat J.
May 08, 2021
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I love Food Conspiracy! Yea, some things are a bit pricey, but there's also plenty of things that are cheaper than Safeway.
I come here every week, usually early in the morning on the weekend. The produce is beautiful. I also love the selection of local eggs, bread, and tortillas. I don't buy everything here, but I do get quite a lot. I love the bulk herb/spice section! Great for refilling.
When I first started coming here (mid pandemic) I was a little weary because there was an employee who would only wear a veil over their mouth instead of a full mask, but I haven't seen that
I come here every week, usually early in the morning on the weekend. The produce is beautiful. I also love the selection of local eggs, bread, and tortillas. I don't buy everything here, but I do get quite a lot. I love the bulk herb/spice section! Great for refilling.
When I first started coming here (mid pandemic) I was a little weary because there was an employee who would only wear a veil over their mouth instead of a full mask, but I haven't seen that
Leslie B.
Mar 17, 2021
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Krissy H.
Feb 06, 2021
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Isabella J.
May 06, 2020
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This review update is to highlight Co-op during Covid-19. I am proud to say that I pretty much exclusively at locally owned grocers, the Co-op is among those on my rotation. During these unprecedented times everyone has had to make adjusted. I have found it very easy to shop at the co-op. They limit how many people can go inside the store and they disinfect the carts and baskets. The bulk section is currently not available, but they have gone ahead and pre-packed bulk items such as beans, nuts, granola mixes, grains, flour, etc. I have found the produce to be in good condition as well! Aside from
Jozh W.
Feb 03, 2020
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This is a great place to visit when you're in the Tucson area. So much Arizona made products that is offered here. It is a bit overpriced and you can find some of the same items cheaper elsewhere. However, it feels great to support local grocers. The space is really organized and the food is great too.
Sarah H.
Dec 03, 2019
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Walter A.
Oct 28, 2019
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Master Daniel San
Aug 13, 2019
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Angela L.
Mar 12, 2019
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Makennah H.
Oct 25, 2018
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After living here for such a long time I finally was able to make it in to the Co-op. They offer bulk products ranging from dish soap to gluten-free pasta. They even have bulk tofu, which is awesome. If you're trying to cut down on waste, you could buy literally everything you need here package free. They also do have a lot of great packaged options, and some unique vegan options as well as many local products. The staff are friendly as well, which is a plus. I'll definitely be coming here from now on to get all of my bulk items.
Bob N.
Oct 08, 2018
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I'm so down with this place. If you want to eat healthy and have some great vegan choices than this place is for you. We come here normally to get their pre-made sandwiches here and take them to go. I've gone here only for food except once or twice to get some specific vegan recipe cooking items (which they had and others didn't). I highly recommend the BLTs here (tempura bacon). They're amazing!
Terry W.
Dec 24, 2016
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Waiting for TIM to open we wandered over here. it's a tiny little market that specializes in all-natural organic and "fair trade" products. They are moderately priced, but not outrageous overall. They feature various coffees, salsas, teas, snacks, etc., plus a small produce section and a refrigerated section with various beverages including milk and health drinks, some cheeses, and even a frozen food case. One really interesting thing was pump dispensers of soaps and shampoos. You pay by weight, apparently. Supposed to be 'clean' soaps with no added colorants or other
Donna B.
Dec 04, 2016
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Nice little co-op. They have lots of organic choices and healthy items. I have not joined because I don't live in Tucson but when I go to visit I usually stop here to pick up some fair trade chocolate or a little snack.
I used my Yelp check in and they said I could have a free shopping bag. I must've been the only person who's ever done that because the staff seemed a little bewildered. They did give me my free bag though!
I used my Yelp check in and they said I could have a free shopping bag. I must've been the only person who's ever done that because the staff seemed a little bewildered. They did give me my free bag though!
Monica E.
Dec 22, 2014
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Thank you, dearest co-op, for your existence.
I am not a member. Likely never will be for reasons associated with convenience. But I do get here at least a half dozen times out of the year and find that I love:
The spice and herb section! This is a budding culinary artist's dream! Don't know what to do with fenugreek? Want to play with curry? Interested in finding out whether yohimbe bark will work for you before splurging on a sizable container? Make your way over to the co-op.
The spinach and kale frittata is one of the best things you will eat in life! If it's not, inbox
I am not a member. Likely never will be for reasons associated with convenience. But I do get here at least a half dozen times out of the year and find that I love:
The spice and herb section! This is a budding culinary artist's dream! Don't know what to do with fenugreek? Want to play with curry? Interested in finding out whether yohimbe bark will work for you before splurging on a sizable container? Make your way over to the co-op.
The spinach and kale frittata is one of the best things you will eat in life! If it's not, inbox