find answers to the most commonly asked co-op questions
A cooperative is a group of people who work together for economic benefit. The Food Shed Co-op is a full service grocery store owned and controlled by people in our community, who have purchased equity shares in the co-op; Co-ops are democratically governed. Co-ops are businesses, not clubs or associations; Co-ops adhere to internationally recognized principles.
The Food Shed Co-op is conveniently located at the intersection of US HWY 14 and Lake Shore Drive in Woodstock, Illinois. We are approximately 2 miles northwest of McHenry County College between Crystal Lake, Illinois and Woodstock, Illinois. Our actual address is 2390 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098.
Cooperatives are owned by members of the community they serve and governed democratically. They have a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. The chart below illustrates how co-ops differ from conventional grocers.
Food Shed Co-op is a community owned grocery store. Like a buying club, you will be able to buy what you want at the cooperative, but there will be no strict pick-up times and you will not need to buy in bulk. Owners and non-Owners will be welcome to shop at Food Shed.
Anything the owners want and will support. Your choices will not be dictated by corporate management that are not living in your community and only focused on profit. Typically, co-ops stock a lot of local, natural, organic and bulk foods and also offer natural hygiene products (like soap and shampoo).
Our relationship with National Co-op Grocers (NCG) gives us buying power to keep food affordable, as well as access to many more great food and wellness items. Also, co-ops usually have a lower overhead than most grocery stores and offer the capacity to buy in bulk, which can actually lead to lower prices. Some organic or other specialty foods are inherently more expensive, but co-ops can choose to offer lower cost, convention options as well. Co-ops strive to build community and support local producers, so prices are higher compared to low cost chain and big box stores, which are often damaging to communities. Download the Co+op Deals app to find great bargains, share shopping lists and save your favorite products.
No! Everyone is welcome to shop at the Food Shed Co-op! Owners receive the added benefits of patronage dividends and the right to vote in the affairs of the cooperative. The co-op Board (which will be made up of and elected by Owners) will decide, as the co-op matures, what the differences and benefits will be regarding Owners and non-Owners. It is likely that, in addition to patronage dividends, Owners will be eligible for special offers and discounts at the discretion of the General Manager.
Any adult (18 years and older) that resides in Illinois or Wisconsin! Ownership can be used by any adult in your household. However, multiple Owners within one household are permitted and encouraged. Each individual adult Owner gets one vote. Please see our Become An Owner Page for more information.
- You get a “Vote” in the affairs of the Cooperative, including elections of Owners to the Board of Directors
- You can run for the Board
- You will receive patronage dividends based on your purchases when the store becomes profitable
The votes of our Owners set the direction for Food Shed Co-op far into the future, e.g., our values, our goals, Owner benefits, and the products, programs, and services that are offered. Owners make key strategic decisions — don’t you want to be part of that! Owners vote with the dollars they spend at the store and also at the ballot box as part of our annual owners meeting.
Ownership stock purchases, before the Food Shed Co-op opened for business, were used as start-up capital. Now that we are a growing business, owner equity stock will be used to pay down bank and owner debt as well as fund store operations and improvements. To learn more about OWNER EQUITY FUNDAMENTALS visit
https://columinate.coop/membership-is-ownership/
Yes! If you would like to become an Owner at the Founding Owner level we do have a payment plan option. It is an initial payment of $21 followed by 9 additional $21 monthly payments.
Learn about the benefits of ownership in the Food Shed Co-op by visiting own it. To discover details about all ownership levels, read descriptions at become an owner, where you can choose the option best for you.
At the Food Shed Co-op we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, high quality food, which is why we are open to everyone; owners and non-owners alike. So that everybody can also receive the benefits of ownership, we have created a Financial Assistance Fund that is available to applicants who receive qualified government assistance. Please email info@foodshed.coop to learn more.
No! Ownership is a one-time purchase. You are an Owner for life! There are no yearly dues or fees. You always have the option to buy more Ownership shares up to the maximum ten shares.
No. Modern food co-ops operate as regular businesses with paid employees. There are, on occasion, opportunities to volunteer to help with our Outreach activities. However, volunteering is never required.
Owners receive monthly emails with owner-only store specials. In addition, Owners will receive a patronage dividend paid annually at the discretion of the Board of Directors once the Food Shed Co-op becomes profitable. This means the more you shop at the Food Shed Co-op the bigger your patronage dividend will potentially be.
The Food Shed Co-op strives to offer significantly more organic, natural, clearly labeled, local food choices far beyond what is available in most conventional grocery stores. Ultimately what the store stocks is at the discretion of our Owners who determine what products are sold based on their purchases, feedback to the General Manager and voting power to elect the Board of Directors.
What about tropical fruits for example?
The Food Shed Co-op strives to source as many products locally as possible yet still provide a full selection of food comparable to a full-service grocery store. Products, farmers, and distributors will be selected as ethically as possible to fulfill the requirements of the owners. Ultimately all the products will be chosen based on feedback and purchasing habits (data) from the Owners. The Board of Directors expects the management to stock up to 25% of the products we sell from local sources, however, it will take several months if not years to achieve this ambitious goal.
At The Food Shed Co-op, we’re more than just a grocery store – we’re a beacon of community and sustainability. By offering wholesome food options and promoting cooperation, we’re nurturing a vibrant local ecosystem and a greener world. We take pride in supporting our local farmers and suppliers, empowering them to thrive and inspire future generations. Through engaging educational programs and collaborative efforts, we’re spreading the message of sustainable living and delicious cooking. With a firm commitment to reducing waste and single-use plastics, we’re leading by example and paving the way for others to follow. More than just a shopping destination, we’re a hub for connection, providing a welcoming space for all, including cyclists and neighboring businesses. Join us at The Food Shed for shopping, community, and endless opportunities for growth and camaraderie.”
