THE BASICS

•What is a food co-operative?
A food cooperative (or "co-op") is a grocery store owned by the community. Anyone is welcome to shop but people are encouraged to become owners by buying one or more shares, to help "capitalize" the store. Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self -responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.


You can learn more about cooperatives and how they can develop by visiting our Want to Know More page


•Why do we need it?
Clark County shoppers need a store that offers local, healthy products. Clark county farmers need another outlet to sell their products. A cooperative is a different model than the conventional grocery store—we need a model that supports our local community and a co-op does just that.

•Has a location been chosen?
As soon as we have the community support and financials raised, we will work on a location. At this point we keep our eyes open and are working on the funds to secure a site.

* How much money will it take to get the doors open?
This depends on many factors. The sooner we secure the capital the less it will cost. We are working on opening in a financially feasible manner and creating a sustainable business model that will cover our monthly expenses.

•How is it different from shopping at a farmers market?
A co-op is an actual storefront with not only local produce and products but also other grocery items. A shopper will find their local produce as well as paper towels, cleaning supplies, dried goods, and more. A co-op is open 7 days a week year round.

•What types of goods will be sold in the store?
You will find everything from produce, meat, coffee, chocolate to cleaning supplies. We will be a complete grocery store.

•What goods will be sourced locally?
We will work to get as many local products as possible. We are already working with local farmers and continue to build local relationships with local vendors.

•Will it be open to the public or only for owners?
Anyone will be able to shop at the Vancouver Food Co-op (VFC) but it is through the owners that we will open a store and continue to thrive once open.


If you would like to know more about co-ops, sustainability, agriculture, and other related topics, you might want to visit our growing "links" page.

GETTING INVOLVED

•Why should I buy a share? What would it cost?
Buy a share to become an owner, and you will help promote nutrition, localism, and community-based retail alternatives in our city and region. Buying a share will give us the capital to open VFC, without your financial support we will not open. Healthy, conscientious shopping will be easier at VFC. Your grocery dollars will support sustainable food systems and local, organic foods.

A full share costs $180.00. You can pay in full, pay in 3 increments of $60.00 over 3 years, or apply for a scholarship.

•How do I buy a share for myself or someone else?
You can buy a gift share anonymously or with your name included. All you need to do is fill out the subscription agreement but do not sign it, then mail it in with a note saying this is a gift share and we will get it to the person in your name or anonymously for them to sign—it is that easy!

•How can I help? Are there volunteer opportunities?
YES!! Yes, we have many volunteer activities. You can email us about volunteering at volunteer [at] vancouverfood.coop. In your email please tell us a little about yourself and what your interests or experience is so we can let you know what fun ways you can help promote VFC.

Another good place to start is by attending an Outreach meeting. They are on the 4th Wednesday of the month at St. Luke’s 426 E. 4th Plain 6:30-8:00pm. [Please remember to check the calendar for changes and updates!]