Join the co-op
What is Ownership?
Joining The Food Co-op means becoming part of a community committed to healthy living, sustainability, and shared support. As a member/owner, you gain access to a diverse range of fresh, locally-sourced, and organic products while having a say in decisions that influence our store and its influence within the community. Member/owners enjoy exclusive discounts, can engage in informative workshops, and connect with others who value holistic living. Together, we can foster a stronger, more resilient community where all members feel embraced and appreciated.
How do I become a member/Owner?
To set up your membership account you must come in to the store and stop by the Customer Service Desk.
A paid-in-full member-owner pays into the Co-op with a refundable Capital Investment (CI) of $100, plus a $5 join fee with one of these three options:
Pay a non-refundable $5 join fee and only $2 each month that you shop until you reach $100.
Pay in full at sign-up and receive a free Co-op cloth bag,
Pay ahead for two or more months at any time.
Owner Benefits and Responsibilities.
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Owner Benefits
Participate in Co-op governance - ONE MEMBER ONE VOTE.
Special member only discounts and coupons, like Wellness Wednesday (Members save 15% in our Wellness Department every 2nd Wednesday of the month. This is on top of any already sales going on).
Special ordering through our UNFI Buying Club and direct ordering from other vendors at a lower cost.
Free online cooking classes and reduced price on all class offerings.
Products you can trust based on our acceptable and not acceptable ingredients list. See our Products Policy page.
The money you pay into your Capital Investment account (your Co-op membership buy-in) is always your money. Should you ever want to withdraw your ownership, you can ask for your CI back. You can check your CI account anytime - just ask at Customer Service. In the event of dissolution of the co-op, if there is not enough money to refund everybody’s CI it will be distributed on a pro-rated basis.
Weekly informative email newsletter. Sign up on our home page.
Patronage Dividends - Member-owners who are eligible to vote receive member patronage dividends in the years dividends are distributed. See below for more details.
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Social Benefits
Our local economy in local hands - We run our store and our money stays here.
A more robust democracy - Co-ops are open, democratic organizations.
A vigorous local food shed - The Co-op works with local farmers and producers as well as community organizations working on food issues.
A generative economy - We promote small, local, regional, and cooperative producers.
A more resilient community - Through Co+op Basics and other programs, the Co-op makes good food available to all members of our community.
A more sustainable economy - The Co-op supports sustainable practices, in the store and through our farms and producers.
Transparency - Attend board meetings on the first Wednesday of each month and the annual meeting in June, read the annual report, ask questions, and even run for the Board of Directors.
Camaraderie - Get to know your fellow members-owners, both staff and shoppers.
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Responsibilities
Shop at the co-op regularly to support its operations and growth. Encourage friends and family to join and shop as well.
Be friendly and you’ll make new friends. Be sure to treat everyone respectfully and civilly.
Treat disagreements as a chance to see things from someone else’s point of view and an opportunity to learn.
Engage in co-op activities, attend meetings, and vote on important issues. Your voice helps shape the direction of the co-op.
Keep up with co-op news, updates, and developments. This ensures you’re well-informed about what’s happening in your co-op community.
If possible, volunteer your time or skills to support co-op events, committees, or projects. Your involvement strengthens the community.
Share the co-op’s mission and values with others. Help spread the word about the benefits of co-op membership and the positive impact it has on the community.
Adhere to the co-op’s policies and guidelines, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all members.
