The co-op is a volunteer-powered, nonprofit buying network offering up to 50 percent discounts on high quality, fresh foods, said George Neckel, project coordinator.

The savings is mainly due to large quantity purchasing coupled with no costs to stock shelves or store food because it is ordered monthly in exact amounts.

Now in its third year, Neckel reports the co-op's membership now tops 5,000.

A vital part of its mission is to help those struggling to meet basic food needs and relieve stress on emergency food pantries. Membership is also open to those looking for a way to share in their community.

Each member is encouraged to volunteer at the co-op at least once a year and in the community at least two hours per month. Volunteer requirements are flexible and can be anything that's done for free for someone outside of a member's family.

Member logs show help in hundreds of ways to schools, social service agencies and more.

Another goal of the co-op is to work directly with local Utah farmers and producers Ð places like Colosimo's, Mountainview Mushrooms and Stone Ground Bakery.

The co-op chooses organic whenever possible and purchases fair-trade items to support small-scale farmers and the environment.

"And the food will never be donated, outdated or damaged," Neckel said.

For her part, Michelle Fisher of Bountiful does volunteer work with refugees as well as low-income and homeless people. It is difficult for most of them to maintain a balanced diet. They eat mostly starch and sugar, she said.

With burgeoning food costs, Fisher now sees a growing need in her own community and even her own family for more affordable food.

"It's hard to pay rent and eat healthy," she said. "And everyone is entitled to good quality food."

Fisher is particularly gratified by how the co-op helps handicapped and elderly people on fixed incomes.

"Even if you don't need the financial benefit of the program, you can support those who do by joining the co-op," she said. More participation translates to greater savings because it allows the co-op to buy larger quantities at discounted rates.

The co-op currently has two team sites in Davis County, at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, at 1131 S. Main Street in Centerville and at Legacy Village Condominiums, at 930 N. 1125 West in Layton. If residents want a site closer to home, the co-op is continually expanding and individuals are encouraged to start new sites in their neighborhood.

Bill Germundson, outreach coordinator, said when people see the co-op at work in the community, they realizes it is about more than just good food at good prices. It's about people sharing a part of themselves.

Food Co-op

The Community Food Co-op of Utah is located at 1469 S. 700 West, Salt Lake City. For more information or to find a site in your area, call 801-746-7878 visit www.foodco-op.org.

How it works:

* Become a member for as little as $5 (one-time contribution).

* Pre-order and pay for your shares during the months you wish to participate. The co-op is proud to accept food stamps.

* Pick up your groceries on distribution Saturday at a team site in your community.

What you get

Sample standard share ($32-$42 retail value) for $21:

* 2 lbs. chicken thighs

* 2 6-oz. top sirloin steaks

* 2 lbs. bone-in pork spare ribs

* 1 lb. 85 percent lean-ground beef

* Fresh fruits (3 varieties)

* Fresh vegetables (5 varieties)

* Stone Ground's whole wheat bread

* 16 oz. rice

* Half shares, harvest shares (no meats) and add-on items also available.