What is the Monadnock Food Co-op (MFC)?
MFC exists to serve its members – and our members are also the owners. That means that in addition to getting the products and services you need, you also have a say in the co-op’s business decisions by voting for who serves on our Board of Directors and providing your feedback and suggestions to improve the store.
Where will the Co-op be located? And when will it open?
We plan to open a 13,000 square foot store at the Railroad Square site in downtown Keene, NH. We will open in early 2013.
What kind of products will the Co-op have?
Our fully-stocked store will offer high quality, organic, local and healthy food. Departments include bulk food, meat, produce, frozen food, dairy, beer and wine as well as a deli with a prepared foods section and a small café seating area. We strive to carry products that connect our regional farmers and shoppers, so you know where your food comes from.
Is the $200 is costs to join an annual investment?
No, membership is not an annual investment. This $200 is what the board feels it currently needs from each of its members to capitalize the business. Co-ops do change their membership fee over time, as the co-op’s needs change.
Why should I join the Co-op now?
As a cooperatively-owned business, in order to open we need YOU to join today. Our co-op relies on member-owner investments to provide the necessary start-up funds to open our store. Be one of the 1,000 founding member-owners and help open our business in 2013.
Once I join, will I be required to work?
Our Co-op has no work requirement, so you will be able to freely shop at the Co-op without any other obligations.
What are the values & benefits of Co-op membership?
The real value of co-op membership is that we will have a co-op store to shop at! Together, we will support the local farmers in our region by offering a year-round, stable market for their products. We will also create a community gathering place where residents of the Monadnock Region can learn more about nutrition & healthy living. More tangibly, members will receive member-only coupons & discounts on quarterly member appreciation days. Lastly, rather than rewarding outside investors with its profits, our co-op returns surplus revenue to our members in proportion to how much you use the co-op, in years the Co-op is financially able to do so. Cooperatives keep money, jobs and profits in the local economy.
How do I join the Co-op?
Membership in the Monadnock Food Co-op is a one-time investment (not an annual fee!) of $200. When you become a member of the Monadnock Food Co-op, you also become an owner of the store. With one membership, your whole family (up to 3 household members) will receive Membership Cards and benefits. Join Now!
Can my business join?
Businesses can join the co-op. This option makes the most sense when the business itself anticipates making purchases from the store. During years in which the Co-op is profitable and able to issue a patronage rebate, the rebate would go to the business and would need to be treated as taxable income, unlike an individual membership used for household purchases.
Only one person, whether it’s a business or an individual membership, would be the designated voting member. The other two individuals in your household or business could use your membership to redeem member-only coupons & a percentage off their purchases during Member Appreciation Days. Their purchases would also contribute towards your patronage rebate, which all members receive when the co-op achieves profitability.
What happens after I join?
We process Co-op memberships on a bi-weekly basis, and you should expect a Membership Confirmation letter in the mail within three weeks of when you joined.
If I move, what happens with my Co-op Membership?
You can offer your membership back to the Co-op or transfer your membership to another person. The Co-op will purchase the membership from you if it does not hurt the financial integrity of the Co-op.
Where can I find more information?
- Email: gm@monadnockfood.coop
- Call us: 603-355-8008
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