What is a FOOD Coop?

So, now that we know what a coop is, what is a food coop?

A food coop is an actual grocery store (not a buying club or farmer's market) that will abide by the cooperative principles as outlined previously. Since a food coop is guided by these principles, it differs from a traditional grocery store in many ways. This store will be also driven by our mission and vision. Keeping these values in mind will create a store that is more people-centered than capital-centered, will bring people together around common values, and will give member-owners a voice in how the coop is run and what it carries.

The actual products that CCW Food Coop will carry will not be determined until following incorporation, the first membership drive and election of the board of directors; however preliminary discussions have been occurring. These discussions have included organic products, GMO free products, local products, products obtained through fair trade practices; all of which have socially responsible attributes, however also have some 'cons' to be considered as well. These decisions will be impacted by the food coop's member-owners.

A food coop will not be possible without membership. A food coop is created through member-owners combining their economic resources to bring about something greater than any one individual could do. Member-owner investments help provide capital for the food coop to operate, then share in the financial success. Profits belong to the community of member-owners.

As previously mentioned, member-owners will actively participate in decision making. This includes the right to vote. Member-owners will elect a board of directors and vote in an annual membership meeting. Member-owners will also have the opportunity to run for a seat on the board of directors. This is how you have a say it its operation, and this is what makes a co-op different from most businesses.