According to sustainabletable.com, "food co-ops are voluntary organizations owned and controlled by members to provide low cost, healthy food primarily to members of the co-op, though some also sell to the public." Individuals purchase equity in the organization which gives them say in the decision making of the organization. Syracuse is home to its own co-op, the Syracuse Real Food co-op, which cana be joined for a single hundred dollar payement and a 5 dollar annual membership fee. It was started in 1974 and now has over 2400 members. The main problem faced by all co-ops is competition from big chain grocers. Becauase these companies sell such large quantities they are able to demand lower prices from their suppliers and it turn offer their customers lower prices. In order for a co-op to survive they need to provide value to their members and have strong community support.