Member Handbook

Mission Statement

Co-op History

Membership

How To Get Involved

Co-op Shopping Tips

How to Use The Co-op's Resources

Store Map

CO-OP HISTORY

The Co-op has a long and colorful history. The idea began in 1971 as a food-buying club. Those who started it wanted to be able to buy hard-to-find items in bulk and at low cost. (In those days, it was difficult to find items, such as brown rice, that we now take for granted.)  In 1972 we officially incorporated under the name Cooperative Markets, Inc. The idea was so popular that in 1973 we opened a storefront at 700 W. Mountain Avenue. After several years of growth, the Co-op purchased a building and moved to its present location at 250 E. Mountain Avenue.

In the 30 years since incorporation, we've had our ups and downs and survived many changes. Just about everything from the store's appearance to the products on the shelves to the management has evolved in order to best meet the needs of our members and to fulfill the Co-op's mission, Cooperative Shopping for a Better World. Thanks to members like you, today we are thriving and we're very excited as we enter another year as Fort Collins' first and only cooperative natural foods market.

THE COOPERATIVE PHILOSOPHY

The Co-op is different than other natural foods markets because it is not-for-profit. This means there's no fat cat skimming off the profits. All revenues go back into your Co-op to make it work better for you.

There is another idea at the heart of the Co-op that transcends price and availability - the idea of socially responsible consumption. Today, this continues to be a vital part of the Co-op's mission.

A socially responsible consumer/Co-op shopper cares how goods are produced, how goods are distributed, and how these goods impact the environment and people in other parts of the world. When you shop at the Coop, you have lots of opportunities to support local and organic growers and socially responsible producers. The Co-op offers many minimally packaged items and you're encouraged to re-use your own bags and containers.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

To become a member of the Fort Collins Food Co-op, you pay an annual fee of $20. It's that easy. Your membership applies to everyone in your household. If you are 60 or over, you qualify for a senior membership, and only need to pay a one-time $5 fee.

BENFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

DISCOUNTS!
When you become a member of the Fort Collins Food Co-op, you get a membership card which gives you a reminder of the expiration date of your membership and will help you keep track of your roving discount days. Each annual membership includes one floating 10% discount day per month and one 5% discount day on the fifth of every month. Members who are students, with a current student ID, get a 10% discount on Tuesdays. Senior Members get a 10% discount every Wednesday.

OTHER BENEFITS

• Special Orders are only available to members.
• Some monthly specials are only available to members.
• Many other co-ops across the country honor other co-ops' memberships.
• Each household gets one vote in the annual board-of-directors election.
• You will get special rates for any co-op workshops that charge a fee.

HAVE A VOICE!

Sick of Congress? Gripes with the two-party system? At the Co-op you have a real voice. Only members may vote during the annual election, which is held during the second full week of November. The election of Board officers takes place, as well as any by-law changes. One vote per membership - for example, a household membership is entitled to one vote total.

As a member, you can run for and serve on the Board of Directors.  The Board makes long-term and short-term plans and shapes the direction of the Co-op.  See below for more information about the Board.

FREE EDUCATION!

The Co-op isn't just a place to shop, it's a place to learn. Between the staff, the quarterly  newsletter Co-op Community Resource Center the Co-op has a wealth of knowledge on food, nutrition, health, herbal remedies, alternative lifestyles, you name it. And it's all FREE!

JUST DO IT!

The Co-op lets you get involved, at whatever level you feel comfortable. Check out the next section for ways that many members get involved in the Co-op.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

SHOPPING

The simplest way to be involved in the Co-op is perhaps the most important: Just shop here! Because all the profits made at the Co-op get put right back into the store, every dollar you spend at the Co-op is an investment in making the Co-op better for you and your needs.

ANNUAL MEETING

In October, we have a membership potluck and the management and Board give a progress report at the annual membership meeting. Nominations for the Board elections are held, and candidates for the Board may present their visions for the Co-op. It's a great time to get to know your representatives and catch up on what's happening.

VOTING

The election of Board members and any referenda regarding the bylaws is held for one full week prior to Thanksgiving at the Co-op. We strongly encourage you use your power as a member and vote. In order for the Co-op to serve your needs, we need to hear from you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It's a labor of love for the 7 members of the Board of Directors, who establish the long term direction and monitor the financial health of the Co-op, ensure that the by-laws are adhered to and evaluate manager performance. If you become a Board member, you'll attend monthly business meetings, serve on Board committees, attend a planning retreat to set yearly goals and communicate with the membership at Co-op functions. In return, you'll receive a 20% discount on purchases. Every year, at least two seats are up for election, with three seats available every third year. Each term is for 3 years. Candidates must be current members and they should fill out applications prior to the annual membership meeting in October. Elections take place in November.

BOARD MEETINGS

The Board meets regularly once a month to discuss ongoing issues and to review the Co-op's money matters. The agenda and minutes of each meeting are always posted in the store at the front bulletin board. Anyone is welcome to attend, and up to 15 minutes may be devoted exclusively to member input. We'd love to see you there!

BOARD COMMITTEE WORK

The Board is always looking for "a few good members" to help with committee work and special tasks. They often need help planning parties, researching issues, etc. Contact a Board member if you have a cooperative hand to lend.

NEWSLETTER

The quarterly newsletter Everybody Eats welcomes letters, articles and recipes that might interest fellow shoppers. To contribute, contact the Co-op. See below for more about the newsletter.

DISCOUNT EMPLOYEE PROGRAM (DEP)

DEP positions range from taking recycling to the recycling center to helping the staff close up the store at night. In-store positions usually involve a regular 3-hr/week commitment. For all your dedication and hard work, you'll get an additional 20% discount on purchases and an up-close and personal involvement with the Coop. These positions can be in high demand, so you have to fill out an application first. A word to the wise: persistence pays off!

MEMBER LOAN PROGRAM

You literally can't lose with this one. The Member Loan Program (MLP) is an extension of membership that helps the Co-op while allowing members to make an investment and receive a financial return. When you participate in the MLP, you receive a flat percentage bonus on the amount invested; this percentage varies depending on the level of your investment. The Co-op pays you back the principal plus the bonus through a 20% discount on your purchases. In addition, you receive a special rate (just 10% above cost) on special order prices (see below for the scoop on special orders). Pick up an information sheet at the Co-op, or talk to a manager about getting in on this great deal!

CO-OP COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (CCRC)

The CCRC contains references and information about nutrition, health, alternative lifestyles, environmental issues, as well as connections to social and environmental organizations. Periodically, we host informative workshops, too. Please use the CCRC - an educated and informed Co-op member is our best customer! For more about the CCRC, see below.

FUN EVENTS

Periodically, the Co-op plans fun stuff like picnics in the summer and bowling extravaganzas in the cooler months. Keep your eye on the newsletter and look for posters in the store for the next one. See you there!

DIRECT COMMUNICATION

You're the reason we're here, and we truly value your comments. Help us serve you better by making your concerns known. Talk to a manager or staffperson, call a Board member, write in the suggestion notebook, or e-mail the Co-op.

CO-OP SHOPPING TIPS

JUST DO IT!

The Co-op lets you get involved at whatever level you feel comfortable.  Check out the next section for ways that many members get involved.

BULK BUYING: TIPS FOR SHOPPING THE HIP WAY

Buying in bulk is a bargain! Products in bulk are usually less expensive and fresher than packaged equivalents, and when you buy in bulk, you can buy as little or as much you need. And buying in bulk is good for the planet! When you buy in bulk, you eliminate unnecessary packaging.

How to buy in bulk:

From home: Bring in old bags or containers (old jars or plastic containers work great). If you forget, the Co-op has a supply of bags (these are complimentary, except coffee bags, which are 10 cents) and plastic containers (25 cents apiece). Better yet, the liquid bulk area has a box of donated containers; you may find just what you need.

Before filling containers: So that you don't get charged for the weight of your containers, use the scale up front at the cash register to determine its empty weight (also known as a "tare" weight). Write it on the container, on the stickers provided, or on a scrap piece of paper. (Note: tare weights don't apply for bags.)

Filling them up: There are scoops provided for your use. When buying bulk pasta from the pasta drawers, please use plastic gloves. For liquids, you may find it easiest to use a funnel, which can usually be found in the liquid bulk area. After use, put funnels in the utility sink just behind the liquid bulk area.

What a mess!: If a mess occurs, don't panic! There is a utility sink directly behind the liquid bulk area, just for such occasions. And don't be afraid to ask a staffperson for help.

Marking the PLU: Write down the PLU (price look up) number of the item, so the cashier knows what to charge you. Use the provided stickers and pencils (or keep track of all your tare weights and PLUs on your own scrap paper). And please help out the cashier by identifying any non-food bulk items you have.

Need help? Don't be shy, just ask! At the Co-op, we strongly encourage bulk-buying and we're eager to help. Staff can put pre-bagged, pre-priced items (dried fruit, etc.) in smaller portions if you need a smaller amount.

WHERE TO FIND BULK ITEMS AT THE CO-OP:

• Bulk room: flours, cereals, grains, dried fruits, nuts, pasta, instant food mixes, baking supplies.
• Liquid bulk area (just behind the bulk room): peanut butter, honey, oils, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, vanilla extract. Also body care, shampoo and cleansers and filtered water.
• Herb room: spices, teas, coffee, potpourri, vitamin C powder, tinctures, sprouting seeds.
• Cooler: special oils.
• Front of store: yummy treats like candy, fig bars, etc.

ORGANICALLY GROWN, FOR HEALTH

Organic farmers use no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. This is healthier for you and the farm workers, and it reduces pollution. We try to carry organically grown items whenever possible. Look at labels on packaged items to see if it's organic, and watch for the green price signs for organic produce.

LOOK FOR LOCAL

Buying locally produced goods helps maintain the livelihoods of folks in our community. And locally produced goods don't have to be transported as far, which is good for the planet. Although most of the Co-op's fresh produce is from places like California and Mexico, we carry locally grown vegetables and fruit during the Colorado growing season. Locally grown produce and other local items will have special signs to inform you that they are locally produced.

SPECIAL ORDERS

If you want a 25 pound bag of flour, a case of juice or if you want something that we don't normally stock on our shelves, we can probably get it for you, Any member can place a special order; to do so, speak to an available staff person or telephone the Co-op at (970) 484-7448. The mark-up on special orders is only 20% above wholesale - a real bargain! This applies only to full cases or bags (for vitamin or body care products, six identical items constitute a case). We'll call you when it comes in. Check out our special order policy flyer for more information. For an even better price on special order purchases, see the Member Loan Program.

PARKING PAINS

Parking in Old Town can be tough at times, but with our current location, we just have to grin and bear it. The parking garage directly across the street is available and the Co-op will give you a voucher for 2 free hours of parking with a $15 or more purchase.

RETURNABLE BOTTLES AND MORE

Five gallon water bottles require a $6 deposit. Please return them to the cashier when you come in. The cashier will also be glad to accept clean paper bags so that they can be reused. And if you have clean jars and containers that would be useful to someone buying bulk items, bring them in, too (please include the lids). These are stored in the liquid bulk area. Also, the Co-op now accepts used toner cartridges. Look for bins near the front of the store for these.

BAGGING

The cashier will be happy to help you bag your groceries, but in fairness to other shoppers who may be waiting in line, you can help a great deal by bagging your own. For those big shopping days, you may want to use the larger of the check-out stands (the one to the west); it even has a bagging station for your convenience.

DISABLED PERSONS

We value your business and support. Please ask a staff person to assist you in gaining access to the upper level and hard-to-reach items. We also offer a delivery service for seniors and disabled persons every Wednesday.  Please see the informational flyer for more details.

HOW TO USE THE CO-OP'S RESOURCES

CO-OP COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER (CCRC)

The CCRC is that funky little room beyond the Herb Room. It's a place where members come to learn, share resources, advertise community events, or just relax. We have bulletin board space for a barter board, jobs board, ride board, business cards, housing, community events, and more. If you have something to sell, a room to rent, or you want to advertise your local business, just find the appropriate section and post it.

We're building a library of cookbooks, nutrition and health references, consumer information and magazines for you to use. Take advantage of them! The library consists mainly of books that have been donated by members. If you have a book that would be appropriate for our library, bring it in to any member of our staff. We are not prepared to loan these resources outside of the Co-op, but we hope to in the future.

The CCRC is used for various workshops and demonstrations and as a meeting room. If you have any questions, please talk to a CCRC coordinator.

The CCRC is a comfy place to hang out, enjoy your morning coffee or carrot juice, eat your lunch, read a book and catch up on what's happening.

NEWSLETTER

The Co-op's quarterly newsletter, Everybody Eats, provides you with another link to the Co-op. Educational articles will help you learn about some of the things you may buy at the Coop. Recipes will give you new ideas for meals. And the newsletter's chock full of Co-op news and upcoming happenings. We welcome your input in the form of letters to the editor, recipes and articles. And we'd be happy to advertise your local business! Contact the newsletter editor regarding submissions, deadlines, and/or questions.

CO-OP BULLETIN BOARD

The bulletin board by the door at the front of the store is where Co-op news and volunteer Information is posted. Here you can keep up-to-date on Board activities and meetings, as well as current boycott and product information

All it takes is a quick look every now and then to be "in the know!"

SUGGESTION BOOK

If you have a gripe, suggestion, compliment or product request, and for some reason don't feel like talking to a staffperson about it, make use of the suggestion book, located by the bulletin board at the front door. Watch for staff responses to your questions in the book. We aim to please - let us know what's on your mind!

PLEASE NOTE: The back door of the Co-op is to be used for deliveries only.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a staff member.  The Food Co-op is your store!  Make yourself at home!