What is a co-op?
‘Co-op’ is short for cooperative and describes a group of people who work together for a mutual benefit. A food co-op may refer to many things; our co-op is a grocery store started, owned, and run by its member owners. Our co-op is open to everyone, owners and non-owners.
What does the Macomb Food Co-op sell?
The Co-op’s store sells delicious local meats, dairy, eggs, and produce. We also carry many items in our bulk department, including grains, beans, nuts, dried fruits, herbs and spices, real maple syrup, and cooking oils. You will also find fair-trade products like organic coffee and organic chocolate, and a selection of locally-produced, natural personal care products.
Does the Co-op compete with the Farmer’s Market?
The Co-op and Farmer’s Market enhance and complement each other. The Co-op provides an additional, year-round outlet for some of the same producers & vendors that sell at the Farmer’s Market. And when you buy locally-grown strawberries at the Farmer’s Market in June, the Food Co-op will have many of the other organic ingredients you’ll need to make the most delicious shortcake possible!
What should member-owners/shareholders expect to receive for their investment?
Member-owners find that the major return is psychological: knowing that because of their investment, other area residents will have access to healthy, sustainably-grown food, and that their money is helping foster the development of a market for local producers. Co-ops are not intended to make investors rich, but instead to enrich our lives and our communities.
How is a cooperatively-owned grocery store different from a regular one?
Owners take part in deciding important business matters by voting. Each owner has one vote, regardless of how many shares they own. Ten shares is the most any individual may purchase under Illinois law. The money that goes into a grocery store that is owned by our community goes back into our community, rather than into the pockets of corporate heads and distant shareholders.
What if the Co-op doesn’t succeed?
As with any kind of business investment, there are risks involved in co-op ownership. When you become an owner, your share/s are subject to risk. It is possible that we may not be successful, and you could lose part or all of your investment. However, the Macomb Food Co-op’s Board and staff are wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring success and profitability.
Can I volunteer at the Co-op?
Yes! So glad you asked!
Volunteer Store Assistants
Our greatest need for volunteers is cashiers that could work during hours that we are not currently open, so that we can be open more of the time. Others are needed to keep the Co-op cleaned, stocked and straightened; and complete any tasks from our volunteer task list. Seasonally, we will request additional volunteers, especially when farmers bring in their harvest and extras, or when we have Thanksgiving turkey pick-up.
Volunteer Committees
If you are a member-owner who would like to be more actively involved with the growth and development of the Co-op, we could use the enthusiasm and expertise!
- The Events Committee helps organize events at the Co-op or at other locations. We are committed to holding at least one event each month. Some of our past successes have included outdoor markets in the parking lot, small musical concerts at the Co-op, tabling at outdoor festivals or University activities, and many more. Our two biggest annual events are the Silent Auction in the winter and the Harvest Party in the fall. We are always looking for people to serve on this committee to help with planning, coming up with new ideas, or providing assistance at the events when they occur.
- The Product Research Committee looks for additional products to carry, researches brands to ensure they meet our priorities and principles, performs farm visits to our producers, and so on.
- The Promotional/Communications Committee is for those who have creative skills to do outreach, graphics, speakers bureau, social media, web development, etc. This Committee is in charge of publishing our newsletter.
- The Membership Committee stewards relationships with our owners and will help organize the next membership drive.
- The Finance Committee is for you number crunchers to keep us on the financial track.
Outreach & Educational Opportunities
We are always looking for people who are interested in educating the public about local and healthy foods, and people who are excited about helping the Co-op and local food industry grow. (Do you like to cook? Create recipes? Speak to groups? Teach classes?)
How can I become an owner?
A share in the Co-op costs $100, payable all at once or in installments of $25 (installment payments must be completed in less than one year). Print and fill out the Subscription Agreement and mail it with a check payable to Macomb Food Co-op. Or you can drop it by the store. We also can take your credit card in the store.
How can I become a producer?
Producers must purchase a share to become Co-op owner. Review our Producer Guidelines / Procedures (PDF). Please complete the Producer Application (PDF) and return it to the Co-op at PO Box 802, Macomb, IL 61455 or drop it off at the store, 211 S. McArthur St., Macomb, IL 61455. You may also email it to us.