Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I buy at the co-op?

WeCurrently we sell mainlya shelf-stablebunch thingsof thatstandard wespices, grains, beans, coffee, nuts, flour, and an assortment of other dried goods. We also have a deal with Meso produce to get a 20% discount at Chicano Sol, a Pennsylvania based organic farmer. We're constantly looking for new products, and any member who can buy at reduced cost in bulk. This includes dried beans, chickpeas, grains, flours, and spices.

As part of membership in the co-op you getcommit to purchasebuying producesomething fromwill Chicanobe Solprioritized atfor anew 30% discount.purchases.

How do I become a member?

Here are the steps to become a member:

1. You fill in the membership interest form. 
2. If we have capacity to add new people to the co-op, we will invite all people who filled in the interest form to a onboarding training for the co-operative. This looks like a half hour meet and greet at the co-op, an introduction on how we run, and what membership implies (read more below for an overview).
3. You will then be invited to sign on to our membership agreement.
4. You will then have to pay your first month or first years' dues. Dues are described below.
5. At that point you will be asked to register for a shift with the co-operative.
6. Now you can shop at the co-operative!

When are there open shop hours at the co-operative?

DuringOur the summer our shoppingcurrent hours are Sunday from 6-7:30pm30 pm and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30pm30 pm. A member whoin hasgood been trained on how to do inventorystanding can shop solo at any time. Produce ordered via the Meso app can be picked up during the Sunday open shop.

When are member meetings?

Member meetings are every SundaySundays from 6-7:30pm7pm. AWe mealcatch isup usuallyon served,the produceweek, isshare available,a andsnack peopleif hangsomeone outbrings something, and if there's anythingany co-op business to discuss or decide on we will makedo aso decisionduring there.the meeting. Attendance is not mandatory.

What's a labor based co-operative?

In a labor based grocery co-operative there is an expectation that you contribute labor to the running of the co-operative. We don't have any staff, which means that all the work done in the co-op is done by members of the co-operative.

What are dues for the co-operative?

Our co-op requires a financial contribution from our members to run properly. There are several costs associated with our co-op that we can only cover if people pitch in $5 - $20 each month ($60-$240 each year). However, not everyone is able to contribute to these costs at the same rate. We ask members to reflect on how much they can afford, and pay dues accordingly. The amount of dues paid does not impact the “one member one vote” principle of the co-operative.

Here are some things to reflect on as you think about how much your dues are:

Consider paying less dues ($5, 10) if you... Support children or family members / friends Have significant debt Are eligible for public assistance Belong to a historically marginalized group

Consider paying more for dues ($15, 20) if you... Own your home Have investments, retirement accounts, and/or significant savings Benefit from generational wealth Have a high earning power due to advanced degrees or other privileges

Do you have a storefront?

No! We do not have a publicly available storefront because we don't have exclusive access to a space to use. We share our space with a couple of other community groups. If you know of any affordable spaces we could move in to we'd love to talk. You can see what we currently stock here.

How much do things cost?

All goods at the co-operative are sold at cost, with a 5% markup to members.

As we figure out our sourcing we might not be the cheapest way to get certain goods. The best way to push down the price of goods is through growing our membership so we can buy larger quantities!

On pricing, we are often slightly more expensive than Trader Joe's but cheaper than WholeFoods, Safeway, or CVS. On some products, we're much cheaper than what you can buy at these stores (mouth wash, dish soap, spices). 

WhatHow kindcan ofI thingsrequest donew you sell?products?

CurrentlyReach weout sellto a bunchco-op of standard spices, grains, nuts, and other dried goods (eg. some flours). We also have a deal with Meso produce to get a 20% discount at Chicano Sol, a Pennsylvania based organic farmer.member! We're constantlyalways lookingresearching forwhat newpeople products,would andlike anyto membersee whoin stock. If you have not yet filled out a membership interest form, you can commitadd toproduct buyingideas somethingin willthe becomments prioritizedfield forthere newas purchases.well.