Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Community-Owned Grocery Store for Organic & Local Foods
Since 1971, Food Conspiracy has served Tucson as the city's only community-owned grocery store specializing in local, natural, and organic foods. Our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability supports small independent farmers and strengthens local food systems. Located in the Historic Fourth Avenue District, we operate with values of openness, honesty, and integrity, prioritizing environmental responsibility through minimal packaging and renewable resources. As a democratic cooperative, we empower over 4,000 community members to shape our direction through equal ownership and voting rights.Our scratch-made Conspiracy Kitchen offers meals using organic, locally sourced ingredients, including vegan, gluten-free, and hormone-free options. We maintain transparency in all operations, ensuring high-quality products while advocating for social justice, human rights, and animal welfare. With daily hours from 7am to 9pm, we provide accessible, nutritious food for all shoppers, whether owners or non-owners. Our 50-year legacy reflects a dedication to community-driven business practices that prioritize people and planet over corporate profits.
Services
Organic Grocery Store
Conspiracy Kitchen
Online Shopping
Co-op Ownership
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We are Tucson's only community-owned grocery store with 50+ years of local food expertise
- Our scratch-made kitchen uses 100% organic ingredients and supports local farmers
- We offer democratic ownership with equal voting rights for all members
- Our sustainability practices include minimal packaging and renewable resources
- We prioritize ethical sourcing that supports small independent farmers
Associations and certifications
- National Co-op Grocers
Services
Organic Grocery Store
We offer a full-scale grocery store specializing in local, organic, and ethically-grown products. Our inventory includes fresh produce, humanely-raised meats, bulk items, wellness products, and packaged goods. All offerings prioritize sustainability through minimal packaging and support for small independent farmers.
Conspiracy Kitchen
Our scratch-made kitchen prepares meals using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Menu options include hot bars, soups, sandwiches, and salads with vegan, gluten-free, and hormone-free choices available daily. Meals are crafted to support health and wellness while reducing environmental impact.
Co-op Ownership
Community members can become owners with a $180 equity investment, gaining voting rights and exclusive benefits. Owners receive discounts, special sales, and annual patronage refunds while participating in democratic decision-making through board elections and policy governance.
Online Shopping
We provide convenient online shopping with curbside pickup options. Our digital platform allows customers to browse organic groceries, place orders, and schedule pickup times while maintaining our commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
Community Engagement
We foster community through educational initiatives, local partnerships, and democratic governance. Programs include monthly board meetings open to owners, community events, and partnerships with organizations like NATIFS to support indigenous food systems and sustainable agriculture.
People
Adam Schmidt
General Manager
Adam leads daily operations with 15+ years of cooperative management experience. He implements strategic initiatives while maintaining our commitment to community-driven business practices and sustainable food systems.
Torey Ligon
Administrator Board of Directors
Torey oversees administrative operations and board governance. With expertise in cooperative policy frameworks, they ensure transparent decision-making processes that align with our democratic principles and community values.
Kevin Hendricks
President Board of Directors
Kevin provides strategic leadership as board president. He guides policy governance while balancing fiduciary responsibilities with community interests, ensuring our cooperative maintains financial stability and social impact.
Andrea Buttrick
Vice President Board of Directors
Andrea supports board operations and community engagement efforts. She focuses on expanding owner participation through accessible governance practices and educational programs about cooperative principles.
Stephen Hayden
Treasurer Board of Directors
Stephen manages financial oversight and budgetary processes. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting reinvestment in store improvements and community-benefiting initiatives aligned with our cooperative mission.
Questions
What is a cooperative grocery store?
A cooperative grocery store is owned and governed by its members who share equal voting rights. At Food Conspiracy Co-op, every owner has an equal voice in business decisions.
How can I become a co-op owner?
Anyone can join by paying a $180 equity investment (refundable if you move). Ownership grants voting rights, discounts, and participation in annual board elections.
What are the store hours?
We're open daily from 7am to 9pm, located at 412 N 4th Ave Tucson, AZ 85705, with convenient parking behind the store.
What makes your products different?
We prioritize organic, locally sourced items with minimal packaging. Our meats are hormone-free, produce is certified organic, and we offer extensive vegan options.
Do you offer online shopping?
Yes, we provide online ordering with curbside pickup available. Visit our website to shop groceries and schedule pickup times.
How do you support the community?
We reinvest profits locally, partner with small farmers, and support initiatives like NATIFS. Our democratic structure ensures community-driven business decisions.
