Food cooperatives and food buying groups are not a new phenomena, in fact, the first recognised food cooperative was established in the 19th century by a group of industrial weavers in Rochdale, England. By the 1970's, however, food cooperatives became much more organised and placed greater emphasis on ethical food production and resisting the ever increasing corporate monopoly over the supply and distribution of food.
Nevertheless, since the 1970's, the numbers of food coops and buying groups have fluctuated enormously. Notably, during periods of economic stagnation and social uncertainty, food buying groups and coops tend to increase, as discussed by Hoyt (1982)
" Consumers’ interest and participation in retail food cooperatives tends to increase in periods of social, political, and economic turmoil. Although their secondary needs may vary considerably, cooperative members consistently want their cooperatives to provide price, quality, and selection advantages. Growth periods also occur when large numbers of consumers experience economic difficulties and develop an interest in ownership and control of their retail food sources when they become concerned for food safety and when they experience a strong desire for an ethical society."