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

The savings is possible 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 has topped 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 open to those who are looking for a way to share in 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 done for someone outside of family for free. 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 - places like Colosimo's, Mountainview Mushrooms and Stone Ground Bakery.

They go organic whenever possible and purchase fair-trade items to support small-scale farmers and the environment.

"And the food will never be donated, outdated or damaged," Neckel said.

For his part, co-op membership is a "no-brainer" said Scott Patton, of Salt Lake City. He is a firm believer in buying local.

Not only does the food taste better, but there is less of an impact on the environment when the distance between food and its consumers is reduced, he said.

Patton enjoys the way a common goal like food can bring people from all walks of life together. "It's a great community-building exercise," he said.

Patton remembers one grateful elderly gentleman who couldn't believe how much food he got for so little money. "It was like someone cared for him," he said.

Bill Germundson, outreach coordinator, agrees that when you see the co-op at work in the community, you realize it is about more than just good food at good prices.

It's about people sharing a part of themselves, he said.

Good food, good prices, good deeds

The Community Food Co-op of Utah is located at 1469 South 700 West, Salt Lake City. For more information, call 801-746-7878 or find them on the Web at 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.

Sample share

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.