How to become an owner:

During your visit just let your cashier know that you would like to join! It takes about one minute at any check stand, and then you'll own part of a locally grown and democratically guided food cooperative.

The investment costs just $10 for one year of ownership. (Some owners choose to pay $150 and become "lifetime owners" -- after 15 years of ownership, you'll automatically become a lifetime owner.) That $10 will be added to your transaction, and you'll get your brand-new Owner card!

What does it mean to be an owner?

A cooperative is a business that is owned and democratically guided by its owners. While everyone is welcome to shop here, once customers discover the benefits of ownership, they may want to join and take advantage of all the perks and community benefits:

DISCOUNTS! Owner receive:

  • 10% OFF the already-discounted price on Co-op deals items. These sales rotate twice per month and include your favorite items across the store

  • 20% OFF one supplement or body care item per month

  • Access to a 4-day department sale every quarter

  • 10% OFF case orders of your favorite products

  • Frequent buyer rewards for bread, cookie, and coffee purchases

  • Access to our limited income discount program (FLOWER)

  • Free or reduced prices for Co-op classes

  • Invitations to monthly Board Meetings and our yearly Annual Meeting, (including checking out our Annual Reports!)

  • Student owners receive 10% off their purchase at our campus location every Friday

LOCAL INVESTMENT. Your $10 payment to become an owner for a year is a true investment in the Co-op and its future. This investment, your "equity",  helps build your store. For example, owner equity helped us pay for our salad bar, energy efficient lighting, bakery ovens, and so much more! Your equity is designated for store improvements and is not taxable to our Co-op.

LOCAL CONTROL. Owners shape the Co-op. Because cooperatives are democratic, each owner gets one share and one vote. Owners have an equal say in what we do and the opportunity to vote for or serve on the Board of Directors. You also can volunteer for community projects or committees that shape the Co-op.

Patronage Dividends

When we're profitable, owners may receive a refund based on their spending. Consumer cooperatives can return to their owners a percentage of the net profit from owner activity. This refund is based on how much individual owners spend at the Co-op. To qualify for a refund owners just shop using their accounts, and each owners' refund will be calculated based upon their total patronage for the year.

The Board of Directors votes on patronage refunds and the refunds are distributed for the previous year's activity. Some years we have enough profit to return a portion to owners, and some years we do not. 


If you have any questions about ownership benefits, rights, and responsibilities, please contact ownerservices@moscowfood.coop or call (208) 882-8537.

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