Cultivating Change
What if buying local food could also transform how we grow, distribute, and value it? At Fireweed Food Co-op, that vision is already taking root.
Based in Manitoba, Fireweed Food Co-op (formerly Farm Fresh Food Hub) is a nonprofit co-op bringing together both food producers and consumers who care about sustainably produced, Manitoba-grown food. Founded on the belief that small-scale, mixed farming is the most resource-efficient form of agriculture, Fireweed has grown into a hub for collaboration and innovation. In addition to running the South Osborne Farmers’ Market, 2024 marked a major milestone: the launch of its Food Hub initiative—a warehouse and distribution centre connecting small producers with larger local buyers.
The Impact
By bridging farmers and buyers, Fireweed is strengthening local food networks, creating fairer markets, and making sustainably grown food more accessible to Manitobans.
“We are dedicated to growing a stable market for sustainably produced food.”
Fireweed isn’t just selling food—it’s reshaping the system behind it. By uniting farmers and eaters under one co-operative umbrella, Fireweed is building a market that prioritizes regenerative ecological practices, fair labour standards, and equitable access to good food. With its new Food Hub, small producers finally have the infrastructure they need to reach larger buyers, while consumers gain more access to fresh, local options.
This model is a win-win: producers are supported, communities are nourished, and Manitoba’s food system becomes more resilient in the face of change.
Why Co-op?
Fireweed chose the co-op model because it makes accountability possible—to farmers, to consumers, and to the broader community. By giving both producers and eaters a voice, the co-op ensures that decisions reflect shared values, not outside profit motives. The result is a food system built on collaboration, autonomy, and sustainability.
Why It Matters
As concerns about food security and sustainability grow, Fireweed shows that co-ops are real, practical solutions—creating fairer, healthier, and more resilient food systems from the ground up.
Partner Spotlight: Manitoba Co-op Association
This story is shared in collaboration with the Manitoba Cooperative Association (MCA), which supports co-ops across the province in building stronger, more sustainable communities.
Want to explore more co-op solutions? Visit our Co-op Resources page for tools, guides, and ways to get involved.