Co-op Ownership

Sugar Beet Food Co-op is truly a community-owned grocery store. Our owners— your friends and neighbors— are equal owners of Sugar Beet Food Co-op. And while you don’t have to be an owner to shop at the Co-op, we hope you will consider our invitation to join.

CO-OP VALUES

  • Democratic Governance - As an owner, you vote for the Board of Directors and changes to the co-op's bylaws. The co-op is accountable to you, the owner.

  • Active Involvement - Co-op owners are welcome to get directly involved as committee members, board members and more.

  • Owner Discounts - Sugar Beet Food Co-op extends special pricing to owners on groceries, services and events.  These discounts are outlined below. 

  • Boosting the Local Economy - By becoming an owner of the co-op, you're supporting a business that follows sustainable business practices and purchases from other local businesses and farms.

  • Patronage Refunds - After profitable years, Sugar Beet Food Co-op Board of Directors may vote to distribute a patronage refund to its owners

  • Building Community - Our owners will receive invitations to owners-only events, workshops and tastings. 

OWNER DISCOUNTS 

1. Owners may choose one day per month to receive 5% off purchases.
*You'll want to save this for one of your bigger shops of the month, not the time you stop by for bananas and coffee. 
2. Owners receive a 20% discount on special orders placed on full cases.
*Got a favorite almond milk or chocolate bar? Stock up and save 20% when you order it by the case. Excludes items already on sale.
3. Owner-Only Sales
*Throughout the store you will find Owner-Only Sales- just for you! Many Co-ops around the country will honor your Sugar Beet Food Co-op ownership and give you Owner-Only sales in their stores. Be sure to ask if/when you're checking out at other co-ops around the country.
4.1 Day a Month Wellness Discount
*Each month Owners will receive a one-time 15% off discount on non-sale vitamins and supplements. We'll also be sampling wellness products and have smart folks in the aisles to make sure you're getting what's right for you and your health.
5. Owner Appreciation Days
*Throughout the year, the Co-op will hold Owner Appreciation Days, where co-op owners will receive a discount of 10% off their purchases on those days. 
6. Patronage Rebate
*The Co-op will be repaying our lenders for the first years of business. Once the Co-op is debt free, store profits go back to our Owners! Each year the Board of Directors and General Manager will decide how much money needs to be reinvested in the business (new espresso machine? Co-op Food Truck? Retirement plans for our staff?) vs. how much money should go back to our Owners. That amount is then divided amongst our owners based on how much they have shopped with us that year. The more you shop, the more you get back! It's not "retire by the beach money", but it is transparency and local economics in motion!

Questions about ownership? Contact us at customerservice@sugarbeet.coop!

We offer an in-store and online payment option.  Once you have finalized payment for your ownership, there are NO ANNUAL FEES, and the purchase price for your ownership is refundable if you leave the Co-op and possibly transferable to another co-op, subject to the terms of our bylaws. Please contact us if none of these options work for you. We want everyone to feel welcome at Sugar Beet Food Co-op.

$250 in full covers lifetime ownership and is applied towards equity in Sugar Beet Food Co-op. Sign up in-store or online here.

For Student, senior, or snap/link. $50 in full covers lifetime ownership. Sign up in-store, or online.

FAQs:

Q:Why join the co-op when anyone can shop there?
A.Owners of the Co-op receive many benefits, such as grocery discounts, free and discounted classes and events. Co-op owners are truly a part of the success story of a local business which promotes local farmers, healthy eating and environmental stewardship.
Q:What does Ownership cost?
A:It is a $250 one time membership cost. When you become an Owner of the Co-op you really do "own" a share in the business and can vote, serve on the Board, and have a voice in the democracy.  We also offer a Supporting Owner share for a one time cost of $50, which is available to seniors, students, and those receiving LINK benefits.
Q:How is the Co-op different from other grocery stores?
A: The main difference is that the Co-op is owned by members of our community rather than a corporation. The Co-op is a marketplace for local farmers and producers, and builds community through partnerships.
Q:What other ways can I support the Co-op?
A. Want to volunteer to help represent Sugar Beet at events? Have a skill you'd like to share as a workshop? Please let us know. Attending Board meetings is another great way to be more involved, as well as promoting Sugar Beet via word of mouth to friends and family!

FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

If the options offered would create a financial hardship for you, please apply for a Financial Accessibility grant. Availability of these grants may be limited, based on Financial Accessibility funds on hand. Ownerships funded by Financial Accessibility grants will be considered Supporting Ownerships once activated by signing an Ownership Agreement.

Please contact us for more details gm@sugarbeet.coop

If you plan to come into the store within the next 24 hours, you may choose to sign up in-store to receive benefits immediately. If you use our personal shopping program and would like your benefits to apply immediately, please call 708-948-7656 and speak with our Shop Lead or Manager on Duty.