Camilla emerged from the collaborative efforts of the "Alchemilla" solidarity purchasing group in Bologna and the Campi Aperti Association, known for organizing markets featuring organic farmers in public squares. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere of these open-air markets, Camilla was conceived to foster conscientious consumption by facilitating direct interaction between consumers and producers. This approach transforms consumers into active participants within a system that prioritizes the availability of fresh, high-quality products.

Inspired by models like Park Slope Food Coop in New York and Bees Coop in Belgium, Camilla embodies the concept of a "community store" aimed at promoting critical and conscious consumption. Operational since 2019, Camilla takes cues from successful cooperatives such as Park Slope Food Coop, which, founded in 1973, now boasts a membership exceeding 16,000 individuals. Similar initiatives have flourished across Europe in recent years, including La Louve in Paris and Bees Coop in Brussels, affirming the viability of this cooperative model.

Economic sustainability for Camilla is achieved through its membership base and the collective purchasing power of its members. By pooling their resources, members enjoy reduced prices on products without undervaluing the labour involved in their production. Camilla represents the pioneering endeavour of its kind in Italy, offering a unique consumption experience characterized by active participation and consumer accountability.

At the heart of Camilla's operation is self-management, with members actively involved in product selection, sourcing, distribution, and sales. Membership entails contributing three hours of volunteer work per month to support store operations. By relying on voluntary labour, Camilla maintains fair prices for producers while remaining accessible to its members.

Camilla primarily offers organic and sustainably sourced food products, including packaged and bulk items, with an increasing focus on fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. All products adhere to strict organic, ethical, and sustainable sourcing criteria outlined in the "Guidelines for Choosing Producers." The selection process is overseen by a dedicated working group committed to safeguarding territories and empowering communities.

Emphasizing short and local supply chains, Camilla fosters direct connections between consumers and producers, promoting transparency and mutual benefit. Members actively engage in various cooperative activities, including meetings with producers, public events, and discussions on ethical supply chains and participatory guarantee systems.

Since its inception, Camilla has grown significantly, with 56 founding members in 2019 expanding to 475 cooperative members today. Through ongoing engagement with producers and the community, Camilla continues to demonstrate the viability and success of the community store model in Italy. 

https://www.gamberorosso.it/notizie/food-coop-in-italia-come-funziona-il-supermercato-autogestito/
https://www.gamberorosso.it/notizie/camilla-apre-a-bologna-tutto-pronto-per-il-debutto-della-prima-food-coop-ditalia/
www.camilla.coop
https://comune-info.net/nostri-non-sono-clienti/
https://www.campiaperti.org/
https://www.foodcoop.com/
https://bees-coop.be/
https://camilla.coop/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/EC-Linee-guida-scelta-produttori_2019.pdf
 

Direct SDGs:

• SDG 11: Camilla's practices align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) - "Sustainable cities and communities" in several ways: sustainable and community-based food consumption in the urban context. Community involvement and active participation, Local economic development with support for local producers and Resilience for the aspects of self-management and community involvement.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Camilla promotes sustainable and ethical food consumption, supporting local and organic agricultural production. This aligns with the goal to eliminate hunger and ensure access to nutritious food.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The cooperative's work on critical and conscious consumption, reduction of packaging, and support for sustainable supply chains directly aligns with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

• SDG 15: Life on Land: Camilla's focus on supporting producers in difficulty and promoting sustainable agriculture contributes to the goal of protecting and restoring ecosystems on land.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The cooperative model fosters a collaborative and inclusive approach, involving community members in the decision-making process. This aligns with Goal 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Indirect SDGs:

• SDG 1: No Poverty: While not the primary focus, the cooperative indirectly contributes to poverty alleviation by supporting local producers and providing fair prices for their products.Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Camilla's model, based on voluntary work shifts and support for local producers, indirectly contributes to creating decent work opportunities and supporting economic growth at the community level.
• SDG10: Reduced Inequalities: The cooperative's emphasis on fair prices, ethical sourcing, and community involvement indirectly contributes to reducing inequalities within the local food supply chain.
• SDG13: Climate Action: By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on conventional supply chains, Camilla indirectly supports climate action and environmental sustainability.
   

Justification:
Camilla is the first Italian experiment of a Food Coop, a self-managed supermarket by its attendees. It is based on self-management and participation, aiming to foster a sense of community that can encourage the desire for "a different economy and a better world."
 

1 How does Camilla, as a "solidarity purchasing group" and a Food Coop, differ from traditional supermarkets in terms of its operational structure and the involvement of its members in the decision-making processes?
2. What specific criteria and guidelines does Camilla follow in selecting and sourcing products from organic and sustainable supply chains, and how does this contribute to the store's commitment to environmental and social sustainability?
3. In what ways does Camilla encourage its members to actively participate in the cooperative beyond shopping, and what types of events or activities are organized to foster a sense of community and shared values among the cooperative members?

Agostino Cefalo, Gramigna ODV