Based on questions asked during an adult education course at Truman College (Chicago), this booklet was designed to be a simple organizing manual for small neighborhood preorder food cooperatives (co-ops). The guide covers basic information for organizing a co-op, definition of a co-op, what jobs are needed, getting the food, wholesale sources, getting started, the first meeting, what to buy, handling money, expenses, distribution, layouts, meetings, member communication, expansion, and expanding into a store. The booklet is illustrated with line drawings and photographs, and one co-op is profiled. Appendixes to the guide include a food preference survey, an initial response form, a sample price comparison, information about vegetables, a list of common case sizes, a description of a bookkeeping system (with blank forms), order forms, a summary of the "food bag" system, a membership application form, a volunteer preferred work form, sample membership rules, sample by-laws, and resources. (KC)