MILA hands-on market: organic food up to 40% cheaper in Vienna!

MILA hands-on market: organic food up to 40% cheaper in Vienna!

There will soon be a lot of shopping in Vienna-Meidling, and it will be completely different than usual: On October 10th, the new hands-on market “MILA” will open at Vivenotgasse 29, which is said to be very popular. With 350 square meters of sales space, this extraordinary market not only offers fresh food, but also fair, transparent and affordable prices. True to the motto “Together we are strong”, market members are invited to actively contribute to the success of the concept.

The idea behind MILA is simple but effective: each member works three hours per month in the market, reducing operating costs. This collaboration makes it possible to offer organic products up to 40% cheaper than in large supermarket chains. Whether rice, oat flakes, lentils or vegetables such as potatoes and carrots - the selection leaves nothing to be desired. The community also decides what goes into the range.

Membership and social responsibility

Membership takes place as part of a cooperative model. To take part, you pay a one-off standard contribution of 180 euros, but many members opt for the reduced contribution of 20 euros, which is particularly intended for low-income households. “Every member has the same voting rights, regardless of the amount of the contribution,” explains a spokeswoman for the market. The commitment of the members is central: they actively use their voice to make the product range sustainable and regional. This democratic orientation not only promotes shopping, but also a strong sense of community.

The market is currently closed on Wednesdays, and the reason for this is practical: there is a lack of helpers to keep things running. With an increasing number of members, MILA plans to further expand its opening hours. Interestingly, the range is 90% organic, which ensures the sustainability and quality of the food on offer.

A step against food waste

Particular attention is also paid to avoiding food waste. Products that are about to expire are given yellow dots, while expired but still edible goods are marked with red dots and are offered at a 30% discount. This approach not only makes ecological sense, but also brings financial benefits for the members.

But MILA is not just another supermarket. She sees herself as part of a movement that is pushing forward similar projects in other cities. At a time of rising inflation, when food prices are often double what they were four years ago, they offer an alternative to large chains such as BILLA and Spar, which have posted record profits in recent years. “We don’t just want to consume, we also want to promote coexistence,” emphasizes the store management.

Inspired by the successful model of the Park Slope Food Coop in New York, where 17,000 members have taken a similar path, MILA represents a new and fresh answer to the challenges of modern shopping. The market also strives for inclusion and integration with various initiatives such as the “Silent Hour” and multilingual information brochures.

MILA has a lot planned - not just as a shopping location, but as a social community and platform for sustainable action in Vienna.