based on an article from grocery.coop
Common Myths about Food Co-ops
For food lovers on the hunt for fresh local produce and healthy, sustainable products, the local food co-op may be a hidden gem. Why hidden, you ask? Many people, including co-op shoppers, are not entirely sure how co-ops work—or how to get involved. Luckily, the most common misconceptions can be cleared up in a snap. Read on to get the real answers to frequently asked questions about food co-ops. You may be surprised by what you find!
Myth #1
I have to be a hippie/liberal/vegetarian/etc. to shop at the co-op.
Fact
Same answer: everyone’s welcome. Liberal or conservative, hippie or yuppie, veggie lover or bacon lover—anyone can shop co-op (that means you!).
Myth #2
I have to pay an annual fee to be a member of the co-op.
Fact
To become an owner of our co-op, you invest a small amount of money in the form of an equity share. We allow you to buy it all at once or over time (but owner benefits start at once). Your share makes you a co-owner of the co-op along with the other owners. If for any reason you decide to leave the co-op, there is a process to get your investment refunded.
Myth #3
I have to be a member to shop at the food co-op.
Fact
Everyone is welcome to shop at nearly all co-ops. Just do your shopping like you would anywhere else. Once you’ve discovered the benefits of co-op shopping, you might want to find out more about the benefits of membership, too.
So even if you only shop at the co-op once a month, the benefits are likely to exceed your investment, and you’ll get to play a part in a vibrant community resource.
Myth #4
There’s no reason to become an owner if I can shop at the co-op for free.
Fact
While co-ops welcome everyone to shop, there are definite benefits to becoming an owner.
For instance, owners can vote in co-op issues, so they get a say in how the co-op works and where it spends its money. And speaking of money, when the co-op turns a profit, owners may be eligible for a patronage refund in proportion to their purchases. There’s also a host of other owner benefits (like owner-only deals, a monthly owner discount, our Buying Club, etc).
Myth #5
Being a co-op owner means I have to join the board (or work part-time at the co-op, or do something else I’m not really sure I want to do).
Fact
All you really have to do is enjoy shopping at the co-op! Sure, you can run for the board or participate in co-op events if you like, but your level of participation is always entirely up to you.
Myth #6
The co-op is more expensive than other grocery stores.
Fact
For the most part, our groceries are the same price or cheaper than the same item in a different store in town. Our produce, for example, is consistently at least $1 cheaper than organic produce with our competitor.
Sure, you'll find things that cost more here than similar items at a conventional grocery store, but that'e because our products are higher quality than theirs.
But there are a few ways to make shopping with us more affordable! First, you can sign up for our Community Discount, a flat 10% off most things every day. Second, look for the purple shelf tags to find our budget-friendly items. They're just as good, just a little more affordable. Third, buy in bulk! Learn more about that on page 12.