Become a Member-Owner
Anyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op, but most of our shoppers are Member-Owners. Here’s why:
The Critical Difference
Our co-op is different from many food markets. Our intention is to maintain the financial health of our co-op, provide a valuable service and fulfill our commitment to the International Cooperative Principles.
There is another way the co-ops like ours play a vital role in our economy. Today, less than 25 corporations supply approximately 85% of the food on the U.S. grocery shelves. This is a tremendous monopolization of our food supply. In addition, many of these corporations do not have a bottom-line commitment to the nutrition and health of people or the earth. Whole/organic food co-ops, subscription farms, and personal gardens are among the limited alternatives to a monopolized and increasingly unhealthy food supply.
Our co-op has a bottom-line commitment to purchasing products which are whole and healthy for people and the earth.
Benefits and Programs
Patronage Dividend Annual Rebate: Because DNF has a Member Equity-Patronage Dividend membership system, Member-Owners purchase a share of DNF stock rather than paying a “membership fee”. This makes Member-Owners eligible to receive a portion of DNF’s profits in profitable years. The more you shop, the more you earn!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Member Equity-Patronage Dividend system
Why has DNF switched to a Member Equity-Patronage Dividend system?
Member-Owner Only Sales: Every month, DNF offers Member-Owner sales on selected items.
Special Order Discount: Member-Owners receive discounts when placing special orders for large quantities (cases) and bulk items. Most discounts are 10% off, 5% off sale items.
A Voice: We welcome your good ideas and suggestions for building a stronger co-op. A suggestion box is located at the front end. Suggestions are read by the department managers and the General Manager. Answers can be found on the bulletin board across from the restrooms.
Co-op Ownership: Member-Owners are owners of the store. You help to capitalize the business through your purchase of DNF stock.
Membership on the Board of Directors: As a Member-Owner, you are eligible to run for a position on the Board of Directors.
A Vote: As a Member-Owner you have the right to vote on co-op affairs and Board Member candidates at our annual meeting. There is one vote per household Membership-Ownership.
Member Appreciation: Four times a year we celebrate YOU with Member-Owner Appreciation Day! On this day members receive an additional 10% off at the register. We give away samples, taste products, host a member drawing and have a great time.
The Garlic Press: The co-op newsletter is available quarterly. It’s an informative newspaper filled with co-op news, product info, nutrition information and more.
Community: The co-op often hosts potlucks, picnics, our annual Farmer Appreciation Day and many other opportunities for you to meet your fellow co-op members and spend time getting to know people in the community. We hope you will join us for these events. Events are listed in the Community Resources section of this site, in the newsletter and flyers are posted in the store. Everyone is welcome!