Valley Food Co-op Member Agreement
Our Mission
The Valley Food Co-op is a member-owned cooperative whose aim is to provide quality, wholesome food and goods at the lowest practical cost. We strive to make Co-op membership welcoming and accessible to all residents of our diverse community and the surrounding areas. As such, the Valley Food Co-op accepts a variety of forms of payment, including EBT.
The products that the Valley Food Co-op carries—as well as our business practices—reflect the values and needs of our members with a specific emphasis placed on building community, promoting social and economic well-being, and acting in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Without member-owners, the Co-op is simply a good idea. Your membership shares are vital to providing funding, leadership and guidance to reach our target expansion. Without member-owners, the progress of the Co-op will remain on-hold. We need you and your membership commitment to help us move forward. When you sign the membership agreement, you agree to the terms set forth by the Co-op.
Membership in the Valley Food Co-op requires the purchase of a Member Equity share. Membership shares are $150 per household. This is a one-time fee. Each fully paid member becomes a voting member (one vote per household) with eligibility to vote for members of the Board of Directors and any other issues that require a vote of the members.
All Members will receive an annual newsletter by mail or email and quarterly newsletters will be available in the store. Members may pick up newsletters at the store also if they so choose. If, at any time, you should choose to terminate your membership, membership fees will be returned within a reasonable amount of time upon written request and provided that the Valley Food Co-op has the funds. All refunds are subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
General Release And Waiver of Liability
Funds governed by this agreement are subject to risk that may result in the loss of part or all such funds. Membership equity investments are subordinate to all other debts of the Co-op.
The Valley Food Co-op Board shall keep a record of all membership investments and shall provide an accounting of such funds to any Member upon written request. Membership equity is not entitled to a dividend and is not transferable.
Annual Membership:
Membership is an annual fee of $25.00. Benefits include daily discounts on some items around the store and a 5% discount once a month on the day of your choice. In one year, you can choose to renew or discontinue your membership!
Ownership Share:
Part ownership is a lifetime membership of $150.00. Benefits include daily discounts on some items around the store and a 10% discount once a month on the day of your choice. You have three payment options to choose from if you decide to purchase an ownership share:
Plan A: $150 Payment in full (one-time lump-sum payment)
Plan B: (Partial Membership) $100 initial payment and the remaining $50 within 6 months to cause the membership to be paid in full
Plan C: (Partial Membership) $50 initial payment, $50 semiannually until the $150 membership paid in full