Why join?
support local farmers and ranchers, help the environment, and get awesome perks!
SLO Food Co-op “Ownership” isn’t a marketing gimmick, it’s how we come together to create the grocery store we wish to see in the world. When you join the Co-op as a member, you become a legal and equal owner of our community-owned storefront, with the same rights, responsibilities, and rewards as your fellow Owner-members. It’s a democratic alternative to conventional grocery shopping, where what you care about truly matters and your voice is heard. Whether you’re interested in local food, healthier choices, or creating a more sustainable local food system, you can have a seat at the table. Of course, owning where you shop also has its perks!
Be part of the solution
Create a robust local economy
When you buy local products, more money stays in our local community, making it more economically resilient and sustainable. Co-op shoppers are supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This makes a big difference!
Bring people together
Ownership is empowering and everyone is welcome. Co-op shoppers are investing in a better way of doing business.
Nurture and grow
Co-op Owners support the work of local organizations that are dedicated to making a better world for us all. Co-op Owners are improving local communities nationwide!
Support fair trade business
When you purchase fair trade products, you are contributing to the improvement of people’s lives. Thanks to Co-op shopper support, co-ops are one of the best places to find fair trade products in the United States.
Champion sustainable solutions
Co-op shoppers demonstrate a deep concern for the environment. Co-ops take this commitment seriously and are working together to take on some of today’s biggest challenges. Co-op shoppers are at the center of what makes a difference!
Bring about a healthier environment
Organic agriculture supports the health of our planet. Organic farming methods are more sustainable and have been identified as a key way to slow down climate change.
Tackle food waste
Co-op shoppers support the production of fresh, organic veggies, free range meats, pastured dairy, as well as wholesome deli and baked goods. In addition, co-ops aims to reduce food waste.
Owner Perks
In addition to the altruistic reasons, your Co-op is always looking for ways to say thanks for being an Owner-member
Owner Appreciation Days
A seasonal celebration of our Owner-Members where everything in the store is 10% off, including sale items, just for Owners.
Owner Perks Weekends
The first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every month one full department (Wellness, Frozen Foods, etc.) will be 10% off, just for Owners, on a rotating schedule.
Access to The Buying Club
A throwback to our roots, The Co-op facilitates a Buying Club for its Owners, where they can buy full cases of items from our primary distributor, United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), at wholesale prices. Note: The Buying Club is not a ‘sales department’ of the Co-op, simply a program we facilitate for our Owners, and there may be times when items on our shelves are priced lower than UNFI wholesale prices, because of additional deals or discounts the store has negotiated.
Special Events
Periodically the Co-op will host an event, or sponsor an event, and wherever possible we negotiate deals or discounts to pass along to our Owners.
Annual Meeting
Part business, part fun: Once a year, the Ownership gets together to hear about the state of the Co-op, financial and otherwise, hold an election for open Board of Director seats, and get to know each other.
Rights + Responsibilities
you have the right to:
Vote in Board of Director Elections - One Owner, one vote! Have your say and create the Co-op you want to see.
Run in Board of Directors Elections - Help guide the future of the Co-op and take on more of an active role in our volunteer-run Board.
Vote on Bylaw Changes - Not the most exciting part, but important! This is the document that defines how we’re organized.
Patronage Dividends - On years when the Co-op produces a surplus profit that does not need to be reinvested in the business, the Board of Directors may elect to pay out a dividend to its Ownership, where every Owner will receive a percentage of that surplus, based on how much they shopped at their store. Those who shop more receive more of a dividend.
What’s expected of you:
Participate - The Co-op exists for its Owners and needs participation from its Owners to exist. Being a dedicated shopper, an outspoken and/or a volunteer of your time in special events keeps you actively engaged in our store.
*Refunds on Ownership shares are at the discretion of the Board of Directors - the Board reserves the right to deny Ownership Refunds if doing so would put the business at financial risk.