Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I buy at the co-op?
Currently we sell a bunch of standard spices, grains, beans, coffee, nuts, flour, and an assortment of other dried goods. We also have a deal with via the Meso Produce app to buy discounted produce from Chicano Sol, a Pennsylvania-based organic farmer. We're constantly looking for new products, and any member who can commit to buying something will be prioritized for new purchases.
How do I become a member?
Here are the steps to become a member:
- You fill in the membership interest form.
- 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).
- You will then be invited to sign on to our membership agreement.
- You will then have to pay your first month or first years' dues. Dues are described below.
- At that point you will be asked to register for a shift with the co-operative.
- Now you can shop at the co-operative!
When can I shop?
Our hours are Sunday from 6-7:30 pm and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm. A member in good standing can shop solo at any time. Produce ordered via the Meso app can be picked up during Sunday hours.
When are member meetings?
Member meetings are Sundays from 6-7pm. We catch up on the week, share a snack if someone brings something, and if there's any co-op business to discuss or decide we will do so during 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:
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Consider paying less dues ($5, 10) if you...
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Consider paying more for dues ($15, 20) if you...
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Do you have a storefront?
No!Not We do not have a publicly available storefront because we don't have exclusive access to a space to use.yet! We share our current space with a couple of other community groups. If you know of any affordable spaces we could move in toto, we'd love to talk.
How much do things cost?
All goods at the co-operative are sold at cost, with a 5% markup to members. Compared to local grocery stores, we are often slightly more expensive than Trader Joe's but cheaper than WholeFoods, Safeway, or CVS. We can offer some products much cheaper than what you can buy at these stores (e.g. spices, dish soap, mouthwash).
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!
How can I request new products?
Reach out to a co-op member! We're always researching what people would like to see in stock. If you have not yet filled out a membership interest form, you can add product ideas in the comments field there as well.