Co-op Principle #3 - Member Economic Particiption

Welcome back to our blog series on the Cooperative Principles, where we take a closer look at the guiding values that make Sno-Isle Food Co-op special.

Principle #3: Member Economic Participation

“As an owner, you contribute equity to the Co-op with a one-time $100 investment. You also contribute to the Co-op with your purchases and volunteer support. You may also vote for the local organizations the Co-op supports through its donations. And as an owner, you benefit from Co-op sales, store discounts, and Patronage Dividends.”

An essential part of the Co-op Model is the shared financial investment made by all owners to the Co-op. Unlike purchasing shares of a publicly traded company, where shares fluctuate in price on a daily basis, all Co-op Owners make the same $100 contribution and have an equal stake in the business and an equal voice in how the Co-op moves forward. This also means that any profits from the Co-op stay right here in our community and with our Owners through Patronage Dividends, instead of benefitting anonymous shareholders who don’t live, shop, or work in the community.

Here at Sno-Isle Food Co-op, we try to make sure that Ownership is affordable and accessible to everyone, which is why we have our monthly payment plan. For only an initial $5 investment, becoming an Owner is easier than ever. As you come in and shop, every 30 days our cashiers will be prompted to ask if you’d like to make an additional $5 payment towards your Owner equity, until the full amount of $100 is reached. If you need to defer payment for a month, no problem, but Owner benefits kick in as soon as you make your first equity payment. The Co-op has a bright future ahead, so if you have not yet become a Co-op Owner, what are you waiting for?