green top grocery

What a Food Co-op Means to You

By Melanie Shellito
erhaps youve heard about the local food co-op, Green Top Grocery that is working to open in our community. If youre like many people, youre not completely sure what a food co-op is, or why its different from the other grocery options you have nearby. In fact, food co-ops are popping up all over the country, and if you care about the quality of food you eat, youll want to keep reading. Why have food co-ops become the hottest new trend on dinner tables? The surge is due to several factors, some of which may also be priorities to you healthier eating habits, concern about pesticides and chemicals, a desire for non-GMO and organic, the know your farmer local food movement, and food allergy issues. A local food co-op can address all these needs, providing healthy, organic, local or fair trade products, and fresh produce. In addition, a co-op boosts the local economy in ways regular grocery stores cant a higher percentage of purchasing done locally, profits remain in the community, employees paid a living wageand the list goes on. If youve never lived in a community with a food co-op, you may have questions. Here are some of the most common: How is a co-op different from a farmers market? A co-op looks like any other grocery store! Youll find a deli, fresh produce, bulk foods, meat, ready-to-eat takeaway, dairy, household products, and more. It will be open six to seven days a week with regular store hours. Youll have access to great food, regardless of weather or season. A kitchen for cooking classes and demos is also planned. Dont only hippies/liberals/vegetarians/rich people shop at co-ops? In fact, co-ops pull from a more diverse demographic than most regular grocery stores. The cooperative community of owners simply shares a love of better quality food choices. Do I have to be an owner to shop at the food co-op? Nope. Everyone is welcome at the co-op! Just do your grocery shopping like you would anywhere else. (But, once youve discovered the benefits of co-op shopping, you might find yourself considering ownership!)

Why become an owner if I can shop at the co-op anyway? Owners make the co-op a reality. Owner equity funds the startup phase. No people willing to become owners, no co-op. Voting in co-op issues. Get a say in how the co-op works and where it spends its money. Owners elect the board members, have input on products, outreach and educational programs, choosing owner benefits and more. Enjoy reciprocal benefits. Just because Green Top Grocery isnt open yet doesnt mean you cant shop! Co-ops across the Midwest will honor your ownership card and extend you their benefits. Owner specials. There will be owner discounts, sales, and other perks (determined by our owners) not available to regular shoppers. Patronage. When the co-op turns a profit, owners could receive patronage refunds in proportion to their purchases. Those are key benefits, but there are many more, too. In fact, the benefits will easily exceed your investment, and youll be part of a vibrant community resource. Does being an owner means I have to join the board or volunteer at the co-op? All you have to do is enjoy shopping there! Sure, you can run for the board or help with co-op events if you want, but thats entirely up to you. Is it expensive to be an owner? Are there annual fees? No! To become an owner, you invest a small amount ($200) to buy your shares. This makes you a co-owner and entitles you to one vote. There are also payment plans and a financial assistance program. If better quality food choices are something that matters to you, learn more about Green Top Grocery and consider helping it open by becoming an owner. For more information, visit their website, www.GreenTopGrocery.com, and get the latest updates at Facebook.com/BNcoopGrocery. The very first annual meeting for owners will be held on May 28.

Luther Oaks has the feel of a well-managed, high-quality hotel. The food is especially outstanding.
-Howard & Judy Daughenbaugh Luther Oaks Residents

Learn more by calling (309) 557-8000 or visiting www.LutherOaks.org

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