Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I buy at the co-op?

Currently we sell spices, grains, beans, coffee, nuts, flour, dried fruit, dishwasher detergent, and an assortment of other dry goods and pantry staples. We also have a deal with Chicano Sol, a Pennsylvania-based organic farmer, to buy produce at discounted prices. We're constantly looking for new products and are open to feedback on our stock!

How do I become a member?

1. Fill in the membership interest form. 
2. Attend an onboarding, consisting of a 30-minute onboarding to meet us, see our space, and greetlearn atabout the co-op, an introduction to our spacebenefits and howresponsibilities weof operate, and what membership implies.membership.
3. Sign our membership agreement.
4. Begin paying monthly dues as described below.dues.
5. Now you can shop at the co-operative!
6. Pitch in with your labor to help the co-op run (see below for more information on what that entails).

Where are you? Do you have a storefront?

We currently operate out of a shared space in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC with a couple of other community groups. If you know of any affordable spaces we could move in to, we'd love to hear from you.

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 from Chicano Sol can be picked up during Sunday hours.

When are member meetings?

Member meetings are Sundays from 6-7pm. It's our time to catch up, share a bite to eat, discuss that week's pressing business of the co-op, and make any decisions needed. Attendance is not mandatory.

What do you mean by labor?

What's

We are a labor based co-operative?

A labor labor-based grocery co-operativeoperative. isIn less fancy words, we're a group thatof combinespeople combining our resources and efforts to provide food.food Weto aremembers and the community. We're entirely run by our members and don't have any paid staff. MembersAs part of being in good standing, then, members are expected to contribute labor to thehelp running ofrun the co-operative to be in good standing.op.

Labor can take many forms, fromsuch maintainingas updating the store inventoryinventory, totaking craftingnotes during discussions, advertising the co-op on social media posts to get the word out tomedia, making a saladdish to share at a meetingmeeting, toor washing dishesplates after a social event. We assign tasks to members to own on a quarterly basis, but encourage new members to look for opportunities to pitch in on whatever needs doing week to week. We'll putalso outask thefor wordvolunteers to everyonestep in when we have gapsa thatspecific need filling as well.need.

How much are dues?

Our co-op requires a financial contribution from our members to operate, currently between $5 - $20 per month. We have a sliding scale to acknowledge that not everyone is able to contribute the same amount. We ask members to reflect on how much they can afford with the below guide, and pay dues according to their ability.

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

How much do things cost?

AllMembers purchase our goods at thecost, co-operative are sold at cost withplus a 5% markup to members.markup. Compared to local grocery stores, we are often slightly more expensive than Trader Joe's but cheaper than WholeFoods, Safeway, or CVS. Some of our products are much cheaper than in stores (e.g. spices, dish soap, mouthwash). 

We continue to research new and better sources forof ourquality, stocksustainably tosourced maintain qualityfood at low prices. That said, the most effective way to lower costs is to expand our purchasing power by adding new members, so by joining you're helping lower costs for everyone!

How can I request new products?

Reach out to a co-op member!member. We're always researchingopen to new ideas of 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.