Carrickfergus Greengrocers, Northern Ireland's first community-owned fruit and vegetable shop, has started a membership scheme offering 50% discounts on chemical-free produce. The Friendly Food Club targets those unable to afford organic options. Local growers supply the vegetables using climate and nature-friendly methods.

The shop partners with growers such as Chris Dobbs, Ben Vista CSA, and Jubilee Farm. Chris Dobbs runs a market garden in Carrickfergus employing chemical-free no-dig techniques. He aims to provide flavour-rich nutrient-dense crops and views the scheme as a way to connect more people with local sustainable food.

The initiative forms a pilot for the Bridging the Gap programme, which tests access to climate-friendly food. Minister Andrew Muir visited the West Street premises in November 2024 to launch DAERA’s Food Strategy Framework. He noted the shop's role in delivering quality nutrient-rich vegetables to Carrickfergus communities and the need to expand such efforts across Northern Ireland.

Beth Bell, a founding director, stated that affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce ranks as a basic entitlement. The cooperative counts 434 members and raised over £34,000 via a community share offer. It has operated for nearly three years.

Hannah Gibbs, Bridging the Gap programme manager, highlighted membership models' potential to broaden access for lower-income groups. She stressed ethical business practices that ensure fair farmer pay and community benefits for healthier more affordable produce.