find answers to the most commonly asked co-op questions
A cooperative is a business owned and governed by the people it serves. The Food Shed Co-op is a full-service grocery store owned by community members who invest in shares. Owners have a voice in how the co-op operates, with democratic decision-making at its core. Co-ops are real businesses—built to serve people, not outside investors—and follow internationally recognized cooperative 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.
What will you find at the Food Shed Co-op? A thoughtfully curated mix of everyday grocery essentials and standout local products. Our owners help shape what we carry—so you’ll see more locally grown produce, pasture-raised meats, organic options, and bulk foods.
We prioritize quality, with a focus on cleaner labels, fewer additives, and products you can feel good about bringing home. You’ll also find sustainable household and personal care items that align with our values.
It’s the staples you need—paired with higher-quality choices and local foods you won’t find in a typical grocery store.
Our partnership with National Co+op Grocers (NCG) helps us stay competitive on many everyday items and gives us access to a wide range of quality products.
At the Food Shed Co-op, we focus on higher-quality foods—more organic options, cleaner labels, and products sourced from local and values-driven producers. Because of this, some items may cost more than at big box stores, while others are competitively priced.
We also offer bulk options and Co+op Deals to help stretch your grocery dollars. In the end, you’re choosing food that reflects your values—supporting local farms, better ingredients, and a stronger community.
No—you don’t have to be an owner to shop at the Food Shed Co-op. Everyone is welcome!
Becoming an owner simply adds extra benefits. Owners can vote in co-op elections, help shape the future of the store, and may receive patronage dividends based on the co-op’s performance.
Owners also enjoy special savings and promotions. But ownership is about more than perks—it’s about having a voice in a community-owned grocery store and helping build a stronger local and regional food system.”
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 [email protected] 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.”