Mom’s Money

Save Money And Have Fun - Join A Co-op

If you have not checked into joining a food co-op yet, now would be a good time.  Your grocery budget may just get the boost it needs at your local cooperative.

A cooperative is a business that is owned and controlled by the members of the cooperative.  As a member, you have a say in how the business is run and you elect and can run for a spot on the board of directors.  Cooperatives can be as small as a group of people meeting in a borrowed location, or as large as a Fortune 500 company.  There are several other differences between cooperatives and other businesses.

Cooperatives -

• Return revenues to the members based on the member’s use of the cooperative, not based on an individual’s investment in the firm.
• Are motivated by service, not profit, providing high quality items and services to its members at a reasonable price.
• Exist only to serve the membership.

There are several types of cooperatives which are -

• Consumer Cooperatives which are owned by the people who buy the goods.
• Producer Cooperatives which are owned by folks who produce products, like farmers and craftsmen.
• Worker Cooperatives which are owned by employees of a business.
• Purchasing and Shared Services Cooperatives which are owned by independent business owners and even cities, and state governments.

We are fortunate in our community to have a very nice cooperative.  For only $12 per year for a household membership, we can take advantage of the low cost, high quality food and other products that the co-op offers.  Plus, as a member, we receive an additional 15% off the already low prices.  Our co-op focuses on organic food, natural remedies, and a general holistic approach to our lives.  The shelves are stocked with fresh produce, cheese, baking needs, beans, snack foods, vitamins, beauty products, wine, beer, plus a whole lot more, even a deli section!

Our co-op routinely brings in professionals to educate anyone who wants to attend on a variety of topics, from cooking with fresh herbs to using cloth diapers.  The cooperative mission is to provide services as well as product to the community.  Members are a vital part of the cooperative community, but you do not have to be a member to shop there or participate in the programs and events.  But, for the little bit they charge for a year’s membership, I think it’s worth the price just to get the 15% off.

All cooperatives have their own price structure and membership requirements, but I wanted to give you an idea of how much it costs to join and what the benefits are.  Check out a cooperative in your community to see what they offer.  It may be a great way to shave even more money from your grocery bill, while maintaining your healthy lifestyle.  Plus, it’s just plain fun!