WHAT IS A CO-OP? 

A Co-op (short for “co-operative”) is a legally incorporated business that is owned controlled by its Members — the people who use it to meet their shared needs and goals. For example, food co-ops enable people to pool their everyday purchasing power to ensure access to healthy food, support local producers, and provide jobs and other benefits to their communities.

WHY CHOOSE TO SHOP AT THE CO-OP?

When you shop at Leverett Village Co-op, you are joining with your neighbors to build a stronger, more vibrant community, support local producers, and provide purpose-led jobs. While our Co-op may be small, together food co-ops have a bigger impact than you might expect. For example, the Neighboring Food Co-op Association reports that, on average, 30% of sales at co-ops in our region are from local suppliers, compared to just 2-5% in supermarkets. 

ARE CO-OPS COMMON?

Across the Northeast, there are more than 65 food co-ops, locally owned by almost 300,000 people like you. And we’re not alone! From food co-ops to farmer co-ops, credit unions to worker co-ops, and housing co-ops to energy co-ops, co-operatives thrive across the U.S. economy, where 1 in 3 people are members of at least one co-operative. Around the world, more than 1 billion people are co-op members, according to the International Cooperative Alliance.

DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO SHOP AT THE CO-OP?

No. Everyone is welcome at the Co-op and Membership is not required to shop. But we welcome you to join!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?

Becoming a Member offers a unique opportunity to work with your neighbors to strengthen your community, contribute to the local economy, and build a better world for everyone. It also gives you a voice in the Co-op’s future, access to savings on purchasing in bulk, discounts on area services such as landscaping and membership in the New England Farmers Union, to name just a few additional benefits. Learn more on our Membership page.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?

In addition to actively shopping at the Co-op, Members make a one-time capital contribution of $170 to its operations. We also have a payment plan available broken down into 4 quarterly payments of $42.50 each. To join, ask for a membership brochure at the register, or visit our Membership page.

CAN ANYONE JOIN?

Membership is open to any individual 18 years of age or older. We have payment plans and low-income options for becoming a Member to ensure that participation is accessible to everyone. The Member and any member of their household may make purchases from the Co-op on the terms available to that Member. However, it is only the individual Member who may vote and run for the Board of Directors.

IS THERE A WORK REQUIREMENT?

No, there is no work requirement for Members. However, Working Members are an important part of the success of our Co-op — and it’s a great way to meet your neighbors and contribute to something meaningful, together! You can also receive a discount on groceries and other benefits in accordance with co-op policies. If you are interested in learning more, please visit our Working Member page.  

WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED?

Cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and SNAP Benefits (according to state guidelines) are accepted for all product purchases. Please note that SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps or EBT) may not be used to pay for a Membership. 

IS MY MEMBER SHARE REFUNDABLE?

If a Member decides to leave the Co-op for whatever reason, their share may be refundable. This is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and dependent on the current financial condition of the business and relevant policies.  Member Shares are not transferable but a Member may donate their share to the Co-op to support its operations and make Membership more affordable for new Members.  To request your Member share or donate it to the Co-op, e-mail us at leverettvillagecoop@gmail.com. 

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP?

Members are required to “use” their Co-op by actively shopping at the store in keeping with Co-operative Principles and business practice. Each Member is a contributor to the economic success of the business and a participant in its mission. Members also contribute operational capital by subscribing to member share, which entitles them to voting and other decision-making rights as outlined in the Bylaws and determined by the Board of Directors. 

WHAT IS A PATRONAGE REFUND?

When a consumer co-op has a positive net income in a given year, surplus is reinvested in the business or at the discretion of the Board of Directors may be distributed among the Members in proportion to the purchases each Member made from the Co-op during that year.

WILL MY MEMBERSHIP SHARE CHANGE IN VALUE OVER TIME?

No. Your Membership share does not change in value and does not earn interest. Rather, it provides working capital for the business you share with your neighbors and provides you with voting and other rights as outlined in the Bylaws and other policies. 

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

The Board of Directors is elected democratically by the Members to govern the organization on their behalf, is responsible for the long-term vision of the Co-op, and hires and oversees the General Manager, who runs the day-to-day operations of the store. 

HOW DO I RUN FOR THE BOARD?

We need you and your ideas! Members interested in running for the Board are invited to contact us for more information. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? 

Please e-mail us at leverettvillagecoop@gmail.com!