What is a co-op?
A cooperative, or co-op, is an organization that puts the idea of working together into a business structure. Our co-op is a business, not a club or association, and is owned and governed by our owners.
Our mission is to provide convenient access to a variety of local and organic products, and to foster a healthy and economically viable environment for our farmers and our community.
We operate under seven principles that guide our decision-making and structure:
Our mission is to provide convenient access to a variety of local and organic products, and to foster a healthy and economically viable environment for our farmers and our community.
We operate under seven principles that guide our decision-making and structure:
- Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
- Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and decision-making.
- Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
- Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
- Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
- Cooperation among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by cooperating with one another.
- Concern for Community: While focusing on members’ needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Why should I join this co-op?
By joining now the Silverton Food Co-op, you will help us offer a wide variety of natural and organic food at regular events, many of them grown and produced by your neighbors in the Willamette Valley.
In addition, you will receive certain discounts, specials and help decide how are profits are spent. Because you will own the co-op with your community, you will have a voice in the co-op’s decisions.
Buying a share is easy! It’s a one-time investment of $150. We also offer payment plans if that is a better fit for you. We want our co-op to be open and accessible for everyone to become an owner.
In addition, you will receive certain discounts, specials and help decide how are profits are spent. Because you will own the co-op with your community, you will have a voice in the co-op’s decisions.
Buying a share is easy! It’s a one-time investment of $150. We also offer payment plans if that is a better fit for you. We want our co-op to be open and accessible for everyone to become an owner.
How does the co-op communicate with owners and the community?
Your Silverton Board of Directors is committed to transparency and consistent communication with our owners! Our Outreach and Marketing Committees are meeting regularly to improve how we get the word out on important updates, and listen to community needs and wants. We heard from the owner survey that most owners get Silverton Food Co-op information from the Co-op newsletter. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates from your SFC Board and community! And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
why not just shop at safeway, roth's, or another area store?
The co-op is member owned, so the members share in the profits of the co-op, and participate in the decision-making process. But, the more options to access local, natural food, the better!
why do you call the money that owners pay an investment?
When you pay money to join the co-op, you are making an investment in the business. That means you are not just a owner of the co-op, but an OWNER. An investment is not the same thing as fees or dues. The co-op does not have to pay taxes on an investment, because it is equity the business owns.
