East End Food Co-op strives to source fresh, local goods at a range of prices to meet the needs of our diverse members and shoppers.

Please review our Product Policy below to see if your products will be a good fit for our store.

We strive to promote products and methods that are:

  • Whole (having only one ingredient: itself) and minimally processed (using traditional, low-tech methods of processing or preservation, for example: smoking, roasting, freezing, canning, drying, or fermenting. These techniques do not fundamentally alter or separate whole foods.)
  • Local (within a 250-mile radius of Pittsburgh extending to all of Pennsylvania)
  • Certified Organic
  • Certified Naturally Grown and/or Biodynamic
  • Non-GMO Project Verified/Specified Non-GMO
  • Certified Fair Trade
  • Certified Humane
  • Minimally packaged or in recyclable and/or returnable containers
  • Produced using humane and ecologically sound methods that don’t exploit people, animals, or our environment

We will not knowingly carry products that:

  • Contain artificial ingredients, such as colorings, flavorings, preservatives, or additives
  • Contain known harmful ingredients such as nitrates or nitrites, synthetic chemicals, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or MSG
  • Contain antibiotics or growth hormones
  • Have been tested on animals

What we need from you

All new vendors will be asked to complete an application (below) and provide the following:

  • An up-to-date price list with proposed delivery date, product description, case size (count/weight), and case cost (see Example Price List)
  • Farmers will also need to provide a Land Affidavit
  • Optional for this application are: Proof of Liability Insurance, Health Department Certificate (or something that documents food products were made in a facility approved by a local health department), W9

In order to work with the Co-op, vendors must conform to our packaging requirements.

  • All meat items must be vacuum-packed and sealed in clear packaging.
  • For Meat: USDA inspection sticker from the processor

Boxes:

  • All produce must be delivered in clean, functional produce cases bearing the appropriate labels.
  • Boxes must be completely clear of all outdated labeling.
  • All highly perishable produce (e.g., lettuce) will need to be delivered in closed, wax boxes.
  • Produce should be packed in an organized manner to best preserve the quality of the product.
  • Upon request, the Produce Department will consider saving labeled boxes in good condition to return to vendors on their next delivery. Due to space limitations, this may or may not be possible.
  • Boxes previously containing conventional produce may not be reused for organic produce.
  • Questions or concerns should be brought to the attention of the Produce Manager, Grocery Manager, Assistant Manager, or Receiver.

Labels for boxes must include but are not limited to the following:

Invoices

The East End Food Co-op must be provided with an invoice upon delivery on a standard invoice form or 8.5” x 11” size paper for all deliveries. Invoices need to be signed by a dedicated Receiver or the respective department.  Please refer to the examples of Produce and Meat invoices for the general requirements of invoices.

The purchasing department and buyers will review your application. While your product may not be a good fit at this time, we will keep your information on file for future openings in our product line. Due to limited space on our shelves, we cannot guarantee that every product that meets our specifications will be carried in our store. If you do not hear back from us within 30 days, please consider your submission closed. You may resubmit for consideration after three months. We appreciate your interest!

Vendor Application

Step 1 of 3

  • For nearly 40 years, we’ve been a trusted source for fresh, local, and organic foods and select goods. As the only food cooperative in Pittsburgh, The East End Food Co-op is a great place to sell your products!