Why are you doing this?

Because the current food system is often opaque, unfair, and unsustainable. Many decisions about our food are currently made without transparency, without a long-term perspective, and often without meaningful involvement from citizens and farmers. Robin wants to organize the system differently from within: fair, local, and with shared decision-making for everyone involved. You can find more background information on the "Why Robin" page.

Why did you choose Tilburg?

Because Tilburg combines a diverse population with a strong sense of community. This unique combination makes Tilburg an ideal place to start. We want to demonstrate that a different food system can work in a large Dutch city, not just for a small group of people. Robin is for everyone in Tilburg, including residents of neighborhoods such as Stokhasselt, one of the most economically challenged areas in the province of North Brabant. Together, we are building a local food system that is healthy, affordable, and accessible to everyone.

What happens if Robin never gets off the ground?

Then unfortunately nothing happens. If Robin does not move forward, the signatures collected up to that point will no longer have any purpose and will be securely destroyed. You will not be bound by any commitments. However, it would also mean missing the opportunity to create a food system that provides affordable, local, and sustainable food for both Tilburg residents and regional farmers.

Is Robin connected to Robin Food Coalition?

No, not directly. Robin and Robin Food Coalition are familiar with each other, but they are completely independent organizations.

How large does the group need to be?

The first step is collecting 1,000 signatures from Tilburg residents who want Robin to come to the city. Our goal is to reach this milestone before the end of 2026. By signing the membership agreement, you become one of the first supporters helping make Robin a reality.

When will Robin actually launch?

Our ambition is to start in the second half of 2027. The year 2026 is dedicated to further developing the Robin concept. In 2027, we hope to begin establishing the collection points and putting the system into practice. Whether this timeline is achievable depends on several factors, including collecting the required signatures, securing suitable locations, obtaining funding, and building the necessary partnerships.

How do I become a member of Robin?

The first step is to gather 1,000 signatures from people in Tilburg who want Robin to become a reality. If you would like to support Robin, you can sign the statement of interest.This is not a binding contract. Once prices, products, and terms have been finalized, a detailed offer will be developed and you can decide whether or not you would like to become a member.

Can anyone become a member of Robin?

Yes, everyone can become a member. As a member, you can collect products through Robin. The current idea is that members will receive a membership card. Only members will be able to obtain groceries through Robin.

Is Robin only for families, or also for people living alone?

Robin is for everyone. Your membership is based on the number of people in your household. Depending on the size of your household, you choose a membership that matches the number of people you are shopping for. For young children, we may later recommend counting two children under the age of 12 as one household member.

Do I have to pay a fee to become a member?

There are no registration or joining fees. You only pay a fixed monthly amount for your groceries. This amount is based on your financial situation and the size of your household.

What does it mean if I sign now?

By signing, you show that you support principles behind Robin and would like Robin to come to Tilburg. We do not yet know the exact monthly contribution, where products can be collected, or other practical details. Once these details are confirmed, we will publish an updated version of the Statement of Enthusiasm. If you choose to sign that version, you agree to do your grocery shopping with Robin for the next three years. exceptions.

Why does Robin ask for a three-year commitment?

To provide certainty for farmers and build something together. Farmers need predictability to adjust their production. For example, crop plans are created based on the preferences of Robin members, often a year in advance. Seeds must be purchased, soil prepared, and growing schedules planned long before food reaches your plate. A long-term commitment gives farmers the confidence they need while also creating space for members and farmers to learn and improve the system together.

I would like to join, but not for three years. Is that possible?

In principle, we ask for long-term involvement. In exceptional circumstances, we will work together to find a suitable solution. The exact arrangements will be further developed together with our members.

What if my situation changes (moving, death, etc.)?

We will handle such situations with care and understanding. Clear agreements will be established for these situations. Together with members, we will ensure that the process remains straightforward and humane.

How can I help already, even without signing?

Tell everyone you know in Tilburg about Robin. The first step is collecting 1,000 signatures from Tilburg residents who want Robin to come to the city. You can help by inviting people to our inspiration sessions, organizing your own information meeting, encouraging people to subscribe to our newsletter, or following and sharing our social media channels. In short: if you want Robin to become a reality in Tilburg, help us spread the word.

How does the social pricing system work?

At Robin you pay according to your means. That means people with a lower income pay less for the same products. The system is based on trust — you indicate which rate suits your situation.

How does the social pricing system work?

Everyone contributes according to their financial capacity. People with a higher income contribute more than those with fewer financial resources. This ensures that all Tilburg residents can access healthy, local, sustainable, and affordable food. By answering a few simple questions, your contribution category is determined. At the collection point, nobody can see which category you belong to.

How much does Robin cost per month?

We do not yet know the exact amount, but our goal is to make it lower than average grocery costs. Our aim is for households with average incomes to pay 10–25% less than they currently spend on groceries. Households with lower incomes may pay 20–50% less. Households with higher incomes contribute around the average market price. This ensures that healthy, local food remains accessible to everyone. Not sure about your contribution category? Use this decision tree to find out which category best matches your situation.

How do I pay for my groceries?

Through a monthly invoice that is automatically collected from your bank account. The amount you pay depends on your financial capacity. People with higher incomes contribute more than those with lower incomes. This allows every resident of Tilburg to access healthy, local, sustainable, and affordable food. At the collection point, nobody can see which contribution category you belong to.

What if I cannot pay for a month?

Please let us know as soon as possible. We will work together to find a solution.

Why is Robin cheaper than a supermarket?

Because we remove unnecessary links in the food chain. Between farmer and consumer, food often passes through multiple stages of processing, transportation, distribution, and retail. Each step adds costs and profit margins. Robin works directly with farmers and shares the benefits fairly between producers and members.

How do I know the system is fair?

Through transparency. Members have access to information about Robin's costs and revenues in Tilburg. Important decisions are made collectively.

How can we reduce costs together?

By contributing time, skills, or energy to the cooperative. By helping in practical ways, members can strengthen the cooperative and reduce costs. The possibilities will depend on each person's circumstances, but if everyone contributes something, we can create something truly unique together.

What products can I buy at Robin?

Robin offers a wide range of healthy products: vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, dairy, and dry goods. The range is complemented by European products such as citrus fruits, olives, and pasta. All products come from local farmers or carefully selected suppliers.

What products does Robin offer?

Robin provides all the basic ingredients you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the year. This represents roughly 20% of the product range of a conventional supermarket and is aligned with healthy eating guidelines. Alongside fresh products, Robin also offers shelf-stable items such as applesauce, sauerkraut, and preserved vegetables. Frozen products are available as well, ensuring variety and availability throughout the year. To create a complete assortment, Robin also includes European products that are not commonly grown in the Netherlands, such as citrus fruits, olives, and pasta. The exact range will be developed together with members.

Where can I collect products from Robin?

This differs from city to city. In Tilburg, members will help decide what works best. It could be a store, a mobile food truck, or a collection point. Depending on members' needs, we will determine the best solution together. The locations of these collection points will also be chosen in collaboration with members.

Yes, Robin also offers meat. If we want to transform the food system, we must take responsibility for the entire food chain, including meat production. That is why Robin allows households to choose what suits them best: Vegetarian Fish Meat Halal A combination within one household is also possible. The meat offered by Robin comes from transparent and fair supply chains. We also strive to use the entire animal rather than only the most popular cuts. This helps reduce food waste and creates a more balanced system. Because Robin is for everyone, we are also exploring the possibility of offering halal meat. We aim to find a balance between religious preferences, animal welfare, and European regulations.

Can I get exotic products?

Robin focuses on products that can be grown as sustainably and efficiently as possible within Europe. Robin's mission is not to improve global supply chains outside Europe. These supply chains have their own challenges and require specific expertise. Therefore, Robin does not offer products that are grown outside Europe, such as coffee, chocolate, and pineapple.

What if I'm hosting a party and need extra food?

Robin is designed for everyday groceries. Fair distribution is one of Robin's core principles. The assortment and stock levels are based on the number of members and their normal consumption patterns. To ensure that everyone always has access to sufficient food, extra purchases beyond regular household needs are not part of the system.

How do you prevent hoarding or misuse?

By working with household-based guidelines. The system provides fair recommendations based on household size. Trust is central to Robin, supported by clear agreements and shared responsibility.

Does Robin keep track of the groceries I take?

Yes, by scanning them before you leave. At the collection point, you or a member of your household select the groceries you need. Before leaving, you scan the products using your membership card. This allows Robin to monitor demand and supply and plan production accordingly. Your privacy is handled with great care. There is no payment at the collection point because your groceries are already covered by your monthly contribution.

How are the products produced?

With respect for people, animals, and the environment. Farmers in the Tilburg region receive a fair price for their products. They are also rewarded for taking steps toward more sustainable farming practices that contribute to healthy soils and a healthy environment. To ensure continuous improvement, Robin uses a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). This local quality assurance approach allows farmers and members to jointly evaluate progress and agree on future sustainability goals.

Is everything organic?

Not necessarily. Organic certification is one way of measuring sustainability, but Robin focuses primarily on the underlying principles: healthy soils, animal welfare, and environmentally responsible production. Farmers can take meaningful steps toward regenerative and organic practices, even without certification, while receiving fair compensation from the start. Together, members and farmers review progress each year and identify opportunities for further improvement.

What happens if a harvest fails?

We share the risk together. In the current food system, farmers often carry the full financial risk of crop failure. At Robin, this risk is shared collectively. Farmers receive compensation for both their products and their efforts. In addition, a shared fund created through member contributions helps guarantee food availability for members when unexpected circumstances occur.

Will I have opportunities to meet other members?

Food brings people together. Robin is about more than groceries. Many people today feel increasingly disconnected from one another. Trust is declining, divisions are growing, and inequality remains a challenge. Robin believes meaningful change can only happen together. By meeting as equals, respecting differences, and sharing responsibility, we can build stronger communities. Robin is therefore not only about healthy and affordable food, but also about supporting one another and creating social connections between citizens and farmers.

What kinds of activities does Robin organize?

Members decide together. Activities can take many forms and be suitable for different ages, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Examples include: Cooking and tasting events Farm visits Workshops on preparing affordable meals Community gatherings The activities will evolve based on the interests and ideas of members.

Do I have to participate in activities?

No, participation is never required. However, involvement is encouraged because Robin is built on collaboration, connection, and learning from one another.

How is Robin organized?

As a cooperative with members. Both farmers and citizens are members of the cooperative. Every member has an equal voice. Any value created by the cooperative is reinvested in the members and the wider community.

How are decisions made?

Together. Through citizen assemblies, voting processes, meetings, and ongoing member participation. The exact structure will continue to be developed in collaboration with members.

How can I influence decisions?

By becoming a member. At Robin, everyone has a voice. Whether you are a farmer or a resident, your perspective matters and decisions are made collectively.

FAQ

This is Robin

About Robin

: Because the current food system is often opaque, unfair, and unsustainable.

Many decisions about our food are currently made without transparency, without a long-term perspective, and often without meaningful involvement from citizens and farmers. Robin wants to organize the system differently from within: fair, local, and with shared decision-making for everyone involved. You can find more background information on the "Why Robin" page.
: Because Tilburg combines a diverse population with a strong sense of community.
This unique combination makes Tilburg an ideal place to start. We want to demonstrate that a different food system can work in a large Dutch city, not just for a small group of people. Robin is for everyone in Tilburg, including residents of neighborhoods such as Stokhasselt, one of the most economically challenged areas in the province of North Brabant. Together, we are building a local food system that is healthy, affordable, and accessible to everyone.
: Then unfortunately nothing happens.

If Robin does not move forward, the signatures collected up to that point will no longer have any purpose and will be securely destroyed. You will not be bound by any commitments. However, it would also mean missing the opportunity to create a food system that provides affordable, local, and sustainable food for both Tilburg residents and regional farmers.
: No, not directly.

Robin and Robin Food Coalition are familiar with each other, but they are completely independent organizations.
: The first step is collecting 1,000 signatures from Tilburg residents who want Robin to come to the city.

Our goal is to reach this milestone before the end of 2026. By signing the membership agreement, you become one of the first supporters helping make Robin a reality.
: Our ambition is to start in the second half of 2027.

The year 2026 is dedicated to further developing the Robin concept. In 2027, we hope to begin establishing the collection points and putting the system into practice. Whether this timeline is achievable depends on several factors, including collecting the required signatures, securing suitable locations, obtaining funding, and building the necessary partnerships.

Membership & joining

: The first step is to gather 1,000 signatures from people in Tilburg who want Robin to become a reality. If you would like to support Robin, you can sign the statement of interest.This is not a binding contract. Once prices, products, and terms have been finalized, a detailed offer will be developed and you can decide whether or not you would like to become a member.
: Yes, everyone can become a member.

As a member, you can collect products through Robin. The current idea is that members will receive a membership card. Only members will be able to obtain groceries through Robin.
: Robin is for everyone.
Your membership is based on the number of people in your household. Depending on the size of your household, you choose a membership that matches the number of people you are shopping for. For young children, we may later recommend counting two children under the age of 12 as one household member.
: There are no registration or joining fees.

You only pay a fixed monthly amount for your groceries. This amount is based on your financial situation and the size of your household.
: By signing, you show that you support principles behind Robin and would like Robin to come to Tilburg.
We do not yet know the exact monthly contribution, where products can be collected, or other practical details. Once these details are confirmed, we will publish an updated version of the Statement of Enthusiasm. If you choose to sign that version, you agree to do your grocery shopping with Robin for the next three years. exceptions.
: To provide certainty for farmers and build something together.

Farmers need predictability to adjust their production. For example, crop plans are created based on the preferences of Robin members, often a year in advance. Seeds must be purchased, soil prepared, and growing schedules planned long before food reaches your plate. A long-term commitment gives farmers the confidence they need while also creating space for members and farmers to learn and improve the system together.
: In principle, we ask for long-term involvement.

In exceptional circumstances, we will work together to find a suitable solution. The exact arrangements will be further developed together with our members.
: We will handle such situations with care and understanding.
Clear agreements will be established for these situations. Together with members, we will ensure that the process remains straightforward and humane.
: Tell everyone you know in Tilburg about Robin.

The first step is collecting 1,000 signatures from Tilburg residents who want Robin to come to the city. You can help by inviting people to our inspiration sessions, organizing your own information meeting, encouraging people to subscribe to our newsletter, or following and sharing our social media channels. In short: if you want Robin to become a reality in Tilburg, help us spread the word.

Prices & payment

: At Robin you pay according to your means. That means people with a lower income pay less for the same products. The system is based on trust — you indicate which rate suits your situation.
: Everyone contributes according to their financial capacity.

People with a higher income contribute more than those with fewer financial resources. This ensures that all Tilburg residents can access healthy, local, sustainable, and affordable food. By answering a few simple questions, your contribution category is determined. At the collection point, nobody can see which category you belong to.
: We do not yet know the exact amount, but our goal is to make it lower than average grocery costs.
Our aim is for households with average incomes to pay 10–25% less than they currently spend on groceries. Households with lower incomes may pay 20–50% less. Households with higher incomes contribute around the average market price. This ensures that healthy, local food remains accessible to everyone. Not sure about your contribution category?
Use this decision tree to find out which category best matches your situation.
: Through a monthly invoice that is automatically collected from your bank account.

The amount you pay depends on your financial capacity. People with higher incomes contribute more than those with lower incomes. This allows every resident of Tilburg to access healthy, local, sustainable, and affordable food. At the collection point, nobody can see which contribution category you belong to.
: Please let us know as soon as possible. We will work together to find a solution.
: Because we remove unnecessary links in the food chain.
Between farmer and consumer, food often passes through multiple stages of processing, transportation, distribution, and retail. Each step adds costs and profit margins. Robin works directly with farmers and shares the benefits fairly between producers and members.
: Through transparency.

Members have access to information about Robin's costs and revenues in Tilburg. Important decisions are made collectively.
: By contributing time, skills, or energy to the cooperative.

By helping in practical ways, members can strengthen the cooperative and reduce costs. The possibilities will depend on each person's circumstances, but if everyone contributes something, we can create something truly unique together.

Groceries & products

: Robin offers a wide range of healthy products: vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, dairy, and dry goods. The range is complemented by European products such as citrus fruits, olives, and pasta. All products come from local farmers or carefully selected suppliers.
: Robin provides all the basic ingredients you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the year.

This represents roughly 20% of the product range of a conventional supermarket and is aligned with healthy eating guidelines. Alongside fresh products, Robin also offers shelf-stable items such as applesauce, sauerkraut, and preserved vegetables. Frozen products are available as well, ensuring variety and availability throughout the year. To create a complete assortment, Robin also includes European products that are not commonly grown in the Netherlands, such as citrus fruits, olives, and pasta. The exact range will be developed together with members.
: This differs from city to city. In Tilburg, members will help decide what works best.

It could be a store, a mobile food truck, or a collection point. Depending on members' needs, we will determine the best solution together. The locations of these collection points will also be chosen in collaboration with members.
: Yes, Robin also offers meat.

If we want to transform the food system, we must take responsibility for the entire food chain, including meat production. That is why Robin allows households to choose what suits them best:
Vegetarian
Fish
Meat
Halal
A combination within one household is also possible.
The meat offered by Robin comes from transparent and fair supply chains. We also strive to use the entire animal rather than only the most popular cuts. This helps reduce food waste and creates a more balanced system.
Because Robin is for everyone, we are also exploring the possibility of offering halal meat. We aim to find a balance between religious preferences, animal welfare, and European regulations.
: Robin focuses on products that can be grown as sustainably and efficiently as possible within Europe.
Robin's mission is not to improve global supply chains outside Europe. These supply chains have their own challenges and require specific expertise. Therefore, Robin does not offer products that are grown outside Europe, such as coffee, chocolate, and pineapple.
: Robin is designed for everyday groceries.

Fair distribution is one of Robin's core principles. The assortment and stock levels are based on the number of members and their normal consumption patterns. To ensure that everyone always has access to sufficient food, extra purchases beyond regular household needs are not part of the system.
: By working with household-based guidelines.
The system provides fair recommendations based on household size. Trust is central to Robin, supported by clear agreements and shared responsibility.
: Yes, by scanning them before you leave.

At the collection point, you or a member of your household select the groceries you need. Before leaving, you scan the products using your membership card. This allows Robin to monitor demand and supply and plan production accordingly. Your privacy is handled with great care. There is no payment at the collection point because your groceries are already covered by your monthly contribution.

Production & sustainability

: With respect for people, animals, and the environment.
Farmers in the Tilburg region receive a fair price for their products. They are also rewarded for taking steps toward more sustainable farming practices that contribute to healthy soils and a healthy environment.
To ensure continuous improvement, Robin uses a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). This local quality assurance approach allows farmers and members to jointly evaluate progress and agree on future sustainability goals.
: Not necessarily.

Organic certification is one way of measuring sustainability, but Robin focuses primarily on the underlying principles: healthy soils, animal welfare, and environmentally responsible production. Farmers can take meaningful steps toward regenerative and organic practices, even without certification, while receiving fair compensation from the start. Together, members and farmers review progress each year and identify opportunities for further improvement.
: We share the risk together.

In the current food system, farmers often carry the full financial risk of crop failure. At Robin, this risk is shared collectively. Farmers receive compensation for both their products and their efforts. In addition, a shared fund created through member contributions helps guarantee food availability for members when unexpected circumstances occur.

Community & activities

: Food brings people together. Robin is about more than groceries.

Many people today feel increasingly disconnected from one another. Trust is declining, divisions are growing, and inequality remains a challenge. Robin believes meaningful change can only happen together. By meeting as equals, respecting differences, and sharing responsibility, we can build stronger communities. Robin is therefore not only about healthy and affordable food, but also about supporting one another and creating social connections between citizens and farmers.
: Members decide together.

Activities can take many forms and be suitable for different ages, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Examples include:
Cooking and tasting events
Farm visits
Workshops on preparing affordable meals
Community gatherings
The activities will evolve based on the interests and ideas of members.
: No, participation is never required.

However, involvement is encouraged because Robin is built on collaboration, connection, and learning from one another.

Organisation & decision-making

: As a cooperative with members.

Both farmers and citizens are members of the cooperative. Every member has an equal voice. Any value created by the cooperative is reinvested in the members and the wider community.
: Together.

Through citizen assemblies, voting processes, meetings, and ongoing member participation. The exact structure will continue to be developed in collaboration with members.
: By becoming a member.

At Robin, everyone has a voice. Whether you are a farmer or a resident, your perspective matters and decisions are made collectively.