The Co-op Difference

What is a Co-op?

The International Co-operative Alliance defines a co-operative as "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise." In other words, co-ops are in business to provide what their members want, and they are controlled democratically by their members.

Cooperatives keep economic benefits within the community through creating jobs and, most importantly, supporting local producers and suppliers whenever possible. Profit is not siphoned off by outside interests and profit is never put before the needs of the members. The Co-op's members are its owners.

There are consumer co-ops (e.g., food, housing, rural electric power, credit unions); producer co-ops (farming, fishing); and worker co-ops (carpenters, mechanics). There are co-ops for day care, health care, farm supplies, insurance, tourism, and more. A "primary" co-op has human beings for members; a "secondary" co-op has whole co-ops for members. It is estimated that more than 750 million people in the world are members of one or more co-ops.

How is this different from a regular grocery store?

At first glance, shopping at the Co-op may not seem all that different from shopping at a regular grocery store, but there are several important differences.

• Locally Produced Food - The Co-op is dedicated to offering locally produced foods and partnering with local artisan businesses whenever possible. We work with local producers to stock locally grown produce, cheeses, honey, eggs, meats, soaps, and more. Not only does shopping at the Co-op keep you grocery dollars within the local economy, but you are supporting multiple local economic endeavors by supporting the Co-op.
• A Voice - When you have an idea for a new product, a concern about store practices or any other comment, you can post a comment on the bulletin board in the store or send us email. These cards and emails will be responded to by the manager and influence their decisions on how we do business and what products we carry. The staff and board members value your comments and strive to investigate every comment and follow up with the members. Additionally, concerns can always be raised at quarterly member meetings. Your voice counts.
• Ecological Concern - The co-op is always striving to make a lighter impact on the planet. We do this through offering a wide variety of bulk products, using recycled bags at the register, offering recycled containers to use for your bulk purchases, recycling our cardboard and composting all of our produce waste.
• Fair Prices - the Co-op is organized as a non-profit organization in which prices are based on paying a fair price to our producers, a fair wage to our staff, and the Co-op's fiscal needs. At the Co-op, no one is trying to "make a buck" off you or your family but instead striving to bring you the best prices possible while keeping the Co-op financially sustainable. Every dollar you spend at the Co-op goes to sustaining and strengthening the Co-op and the Co-op's mission, and the community, not to lining someone else's pocket.

"Founded on the principles of private initiative, entrepreneurship and self-employment, underpinned by the values of democracy, equality and solidarity, the co-operative movement can help pave the way to a more just and inclusive economic order" -- Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General