There are so many advantages you can enjoy by becoming a Co-op Owner that they are rather hard to summarize in one post! Not only does a Co-op Ownership benefit you by providing access to highly nutritious, organic, local food items at low prices, but your involvement as an Owner also strengthens your local community, benefits your local economy, and benefits nonprofits that are supported by the Co-opÕs charitable giving activities.
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So, why should you become an Owner at your local Co-op? Read on!
Purchasing An Ownership Is An Investment In Your Community
First off, becoming a Co-op Owner is both easy and affordable. You are required to purchase an annual equity share, usually a very small amount ($30 in the case of Tidal Creek Co-op in Wilmington) after which, you become an Owner. The best part of becoming a Co-op Owner is that unlike retail chains, which exist to make profit for their investors, Co-ops exist to serve the Owners and the community. As a Co-op is collectively owned, there is no one person at the head of a hierarchy, and any surplus that is made is simply reinvested back into the organization, or distributed amongst its members, or given to other deserving causes like the Jones Family Farm.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead [Tweet This]
Nonprofits receive an average of 350% more support from locally owned businesses like Tidal Creek Co-op than from non-locally owned, big chain businesses like Harris Teerer and Whole Foods. Just another reason to choose to shop local!
You Are Supporting Your Local Economy
Ever since big agricultural businesses have come about, more and more money is going into the hands of company shareholders, middlemen, and brokers, instead of farmers. The average farmer typically makes 20 cents per dollar for their produce. As Co-ops eliminate all of these middlemen, your local farmers end up with a lot more money in their pockets. You are also helping create more revenue and jobs in your community by buying from Co-ops.
Consider this: money spent at a local business generates 3.5x more wealth for the local economy than money spent at a chain-owned store. Shopping at a Co-op means you are buying from a locally owned business, which is good for your community! See this Huffington Post article and infographic for more great statistics about your choice to shop locally, or download this ebook for a comprehensive view on how Co-ops impact employees, the community, and even your daily purchases.
Ownership Means Big Savings
Everyone, Owner and non-Owner, is invited to shop at the Co-op and take advantage of the amazing sales. On top of everyday low prices and sales, having an Ownership allows you to take advantage of even more savings. Ownership savings include:
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Save 10% off entire purchase once a month, this means. The average family spends $400 on groceries every two weeks, thatÕs a savings of $40!
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Cash Back Rewards! For every $400 spent at the Co-op receive a $5 reward certificate.
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Owner Volunteer Program: Co-op Owners can earn discounts by volunteering at the Co-op and Community Outreach Events.
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10% off special-order purchases. If we donÕt have something in store, we can order it for you, and save you 10% as well!
You Make A Difference
Owners of the Co-op are just that, Owners! As an Owner, you have a say in how the Co-op is run. Owners vote an important matters, such as who to elect to the Board of Directors, and also have the important task of suggesting and deciding on which charities the Co-op supports.
[Read More: 10 Reasons To Shop At A Co-op]
Get Access to Healthy, Local, Organic Food
The biggest advantage of being part of a food cooperative is that you have access to a diverse supply of highly nutritious organic and local foods at a very attractive price point. Because Co-ops source most of their foods locally, you can rest assured that the fruits and vegetables are fresh and full of vitamins and minerals. No doubt you can get a good variety of items at your local supermarket too, however, chances are that it has been sourced from another state, and has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. The produce that you get at a Co-op is much fresher since most of it is grown locally.
Want to become a part of our Tidal Creek Co-op in Wilmington? We will be happy to help you become an Owner! Tidal Creek was one of the first health food stores in Wilmington and has been serving the community since 1982. Check out our Ownership benefits and see how we can serve you too!