What is a co-op?

From the outside, many food co-ops look like any grocery store. However, it's what goes on behind the scenes that makes co-ops different.

Co-ops exist to serve their members, which are also the co-op’s owners. So, in addition to getting the food, wellness and home care products you need, you also have a say in the business decisions your co-op makes.

Rather than rewarding outside investors with profits, co-ops return surplus revenue to their members in proportion to their purchases made. This democratic approach to business results in a powerful economic force that benefits the co-op, its members and the communities it serves.

Why Co-ops Matter

Cooperation is defined as working together towards the same end, and joining forces to accomplish a task that can't be achieved alone. Co-ops provide the framework that allows people to get what they want in a way that better meets their economic, social and cultural needs.

Because cooperation builds strong bonds between the people who use products and the people who supply them, co-ops give you the opportunity to get the products and services you need while strengthening the community around you.

In addition to a co-op's commitment to serving its members, most adhere to a set of seven principles to help guide the business. And as a result, many co-ops set a standard for the surrounding business community with a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Co-op Principles

Co-ops are based on the values of self-responsibility, democracy, equality, honesty and social responsibility.

In addition, seven basic principles serve as guidelines to provide a democratic structure for co-ops around the world. While adoption of these principles is not required, most co-ops opt to adopt them for their business.

The seven principles are:

• Voluntary and open membership
• Democratic member control
• Member economic participation
• Autonomy and independence
• Education, training and information
• Cooperation among cooperatives
• Concern for community

 
Reasons to Join a Co-op

You'll find many reasons to join a co-op, including:

• Access to fresh, great-tasting local and organic food and wellness products.
• The ability to be heard. Your co-op truly cares what you think.
• Becoming part of a values-based organization that puts people ahead of profit.
• Sharing in the financial success of the organization.
• Contributing to a thriving local economy.
• Investing in a locally owned, democratically controlled business.
• Helping to change the way business is conducted here and around the world.