What’s a co-op? & other frequently asked questions

On the outside, we might look like a simple natural food store with a café, but on the inside, we’ve got a lot of good stuff going on! These are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here at the Co-op.

  • A cooperative is a business or organization that is owned and managed by its members, who share the profits or benefits. Co-op membership (aka ownership) is voluntary and open to any individual that desires to use the services of the co-op and is willing to accept the responsibilities of ownership.

    Cooperatives are guided by the Cooperative Principles, and the roots of these principles are credited to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. Medford Food Co-op recognizes the following Eight Cooperative Principles:

    1. Voluntary and Open Membership

    2. Democratic Member Control

    3. Member Economic Participation

    4. Autonomy and Independence

    5. Education, Training and Information

    6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

    7. Concern for Community

    8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • No, the Co-op and the Café are open to the public. Everyone is welcome to shop, and ownership is completely optional. While we highly encourage everyone in the community to explore co-op ownership and decide if it’s right for them, our doors are open to everyone.

  • Own a grocery store with your friends and neighbors! Becoming an owner is an investment in our local food system and directly contributes to the economic growth, sustainability, and prosperity of the Rogue Valley.

    Owner shares have the advantage of being a low-cost way for the Co-op to build capital and maintain growth, and provide year-round support for local growers, farmers, vintners and producers. The Medford Food Co-op is an opportunity to shop locally in a way that truly benefits our community.

    Ownership offers numerous benefits, and pays for itself in savings:

    • 10% off your first purchase of $50 or more

    • an additional 10% off Co+op Deals every day

    • monthly owner-only coupons

      • 10% off one purchase four times a year (offered quarterly in February, May, August, and November)

      • $5 off $25 eight times a year (offered in each of the remaining eight months)

    • earn patronage dividends in profitable years, as determined by the Board

    • free resusable MFC shopping tote

    • invitation to the Annual Owner Meeting

    • vote for the Board of Directors

    • vote on bylaw revisions

    • vote on Positive Change recipients

    • apply for a seat on the Board of Directors

  • Thank you for your interest in working at the Medford Food Co-op! To learn more about employment at the Co-op, please check our current job openings to see what positions are available.

  • The Cooperative Principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. The roots of these principles are credited to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844. The Eight Principles are:

    1. Voluntary and Open Membership – Anyone can join a co-op. Co-op’s don’t discriminate based on gender, social, racial, political, or religious factors.

    2. Democratic Member Control – Members control their business by deciding how it’s run and who leads it.

    3. Member Economic Participation – All co-op members invest in their cooperative. This means people, not shareholders, benefit from a co-op’s profits.

    4. Autonomy and Independence – When making business deals or raising money, co-ops never compromise their autonomy or democratic member control.

    5. Education, Training and Information – Co-ops provide education, training, and information so their members can contribute effectively to the success of their co-op.

    6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives – Co-ops believe working together is the best strategy to empower their members and build a stronger co-op economy.

    7. Concern for Community – Co-ops are community-minded. Co-ops contribute to the sustainable development of their communities by sourcing and investing locally.

    8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion– Co-ops believe we are stronger when a proactive effort is put forth to engage everyone in governance, management, and representation.

      Sources:
      International Cooperative Alliance, https://ica.coop/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity
      National Co+op Grocers, https://www.ncg.coop/cooperative-values-and-principles

  • If you have additional questions or concerns, please use our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.