What is the Missoula Community Food Co-op?
Why start a food coop in Missoula?
Do I have to be a member to shop at the co-op? See also next question
Can I check it out before I join?
How much will I save on my food costs?
Can the prices be lower still?
How does the co-op price its products
Does the co-op accept EBT (Food Stamp benefits)?
How do I join the co-op?
How much does membership cost?
Does the co-op have family memberships?
Does the co-op have maternity/paternity leave?
Does the co-op have a policy for members with disabilities?
What is the Missoula Community Food Co-op?
The Missoula Community Food Co-op is a member-owned and operated grocery, whose mission it is to provide affordable access to local, whole and high quality foods through the participation and labor contributions of its members. Each member owns common stock, contributes three hours a month, and has a vote in the decisions of the co-op.
Why start a food co-op in Missoula?
The co-op exists in order to make good food more affordable, to serve the needs of its members, and to promote the principles of democracy and cooperation.
Do I have to be a member to shop at the co-op? See also next question.
Yes. Because our prices/services are a direct result of equal cooperation by each of our members, and our products only have one price, the benefits of the co-op are for those who make them possible.
Can I check it out before I join?
Yes. Prospective members may shop three times before attending an orientation.
If at this point, they have not decided to join, they will no longer be able to shop at the co-op.
How much will I save on my food costs?
On average, our members can expect to save anywhere from 10%-15% on their groceries everytime they shop. This does not mean that the co-op will be always competitive with sale items in other stores, but overall costs will be lower, immediately.
Can the prices be lower still?
Yes!!! As our members work and shop more at the co-op, our volume makes us eligible for more product diversity and distributor discounts that will always be directly passed on to our membership in our pricing. The more you shop, the sooner we expand, the better our discounts can be.
How does the co-op price its products?
Unlike all other stores, the price on co-op products is cost (with spoilage and delivery)x markup, period. We always pass along sales to our members, from the time they go on sale to time they go off sale. We are never making any additional markup.
Does the co-op accept EBT (Food Stamp benefits)?
Yes.
Does the co-op accept WIC?
No. While many of our members have requested that we take WIC checks, the co-op has been denied eligibility based on membership requirements. Nevertheless, the co-op's product committee and coordinators continue to work toward being able to offer this benefit without sacrificing our commitment to high-quality food. However, state WIC regulations also prevent all local and organic options from being made available, due to price restrictions.
How do I join the co-op?
First, visit the store and shop up to 3 times.
Sign up for our email list for store specials, events, upcoming orientations and member forums.
Next, attend a member orientation.
You can pay any part of your membership at the co-op either before or after you attend an orientation, however, we do encourage prospective members to attend the orientation first.
How much does membership cost?
Membership in the co-op consists of three parts: a non-refundable administrative fee of $25, a refundable share of common stock of $15, and a refundable member investment of $85. All parts of the membership investment can be paid in increments as little as $5/month.
* Lifetime memberships - $125
* Student memberships - $25 annually until the $125 is paid in full, or until departure from the area.
* Reduced memberships- $15 (common stock) with proof of any federal assistance programs including WIC, Food Stamps, TANF, Section 8, Medicare, Medicaid, or SSI or SSDI.
Does the co-op have family memberships?
No.Each adult (18 or older) member of a household will be required to fulfill the commitments of membership (both investment and work-shift) to be able to shop at the co-op. This policy is based in the foundational principles of non-discrimination and equality. We encourage all members of a household to join at the same time and to work out a payment schedule that works for you.
Does the co-op have a maternity/paternity leave?
Yes. Parents of a newborn can take up to 1 year of leave from the co-op, or 6 months each, for each child.
Does the co-op have a policy for members with disabilities?
Not yet. We are still working on how to accomodate the different abilities of our members, and would love to have your input on the development of this policy. Until that time, we are working on a case-by-case basis.