Become a Member!

A cooperative business is one that is owned by those who use its services. The Co-op embodies the idea that by working together and pooling our resources we can provide ourselves and our community with goods and services we need.

How to Join

Joining is easy. Just download this Membership Application and bring it to our Service Desks. We’ll take care of the rest.

Fees

All Co-op members are required to purchase ten shares of Co-op stock at $5.00 each. No annual fee is required. Members who purchase membership shares upon joining the Co-op will receive a stock certificate at that time. Those joining the Co-op through the Patronage Refund Deduction plan will receive a share statement with their patronage refund check. The Co-op does not pay dividends on membership shares.

About the Patronage Refund

Because members are owners of the Co-op, when the business makes a profit members share in these “net savings” with other members in the form of a patronage refund. The patronage refund is calculated as a percentage of your combined annual purchases at the Co-op Food Stores, Community Market, and Co-op Service Center. This percentage, or refund rate, is established annually by the Board of Directors and varies depending on how profitable Co-op operations have been during the preceding year. Refunds may be issued as cash or a combination of cash and Co-op stock.

What Do You Support by Being a Co-op Member?

There are many good reasons for becoming a member. One of the most important is the support members bring to the surrounding communities.

Socially responsible local ownership

  • Keeping money in the local economy
  • Treating employees with respect
  • Accountability to those it serves
  • Involvement in the community for 65 years
  • Contributing to local non-profits and charitable organizations
  • Providing food for local shelters and food banks

A stable market for local farmers and producers

  • Increasing local food security in the area
  • Promoting sustainable agriculture
  • Preserving the rural landscape and heritage
  • Providing high-quality produce with less post-harvest treatment or nutrition loss

A higher standard of doing business

  • No marketing to children (e.g. candy at the checkouts or sugared cereals at eye-level)
  • No slotting fees (which allow distributors to determine what goes where and excludes small producers)
  • Honest, trustworthy information about products

A commitment to quality products and honest value

  • Buying for our members, not selling goods
  • Fair pricing reflecting our not-for-profit status
  • Strong commitment to food safety and the welfare of our customers

Reliable consumer information

  • Up to date
  • Thorough and well-researched
  • Unbiased
  • Responsive to member concerns
  • A resource to the community

Outstanding customer service

  • Long-term employees dedicated to cooperative ideals
  • Courteous and knowledgeable staff
  • Responsiveness to member requests
  • In-the-aisles help, available and easy to find

Fun community-oriented events

  • Dairy Day
  • Harvest Festival
  • Oktoberfest
  • Corn Roast