As a cooperative business, we rely on the community to support us in the form of Ownership purchases. Ownership is a minimum one-time payment of $200 for two shares ($100 per share) of common stock in Food Shed Co-op. Owners can also sign up using our Installment Plan and pay as little as $21/month for 10 months to satisfy the Ownership agreement. Those interested in joining the co-op should visit our become-an-owner page to choose their level (number of shares, between 2 and 10) and to pay online with a few easy steps.

To become a Food Shed Co-op owner in person or by physical mail, visitors should click HERE to print and fill out the ownership agreement, or HERE to purchase a gift ownership. Completed forms and payment checks should be mailed to P. O. Box 1663, Woodstock, IL 60098. Applicants will receive an email confirmation and owner number once the membership is processed.

The reason most people choose to purchase ownership shares is because they want to support greater shopper access to locally grown and produced food and they want to be part of a welcoming community. As a Food Shed Co-op owner, they receive additional benefits, too.

Owners will have access to the same “Co-op Deals” and “Co-op Basics” products and pricing as all shoppers, but will receive monthly owner-only promotions, as well. Owners also receive advanced invitations to and preferential seating for educational experiences, classes, and special co-op events. Owners have the opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors, run for the Food Shed Co-op’s Board, and give input on the products and services they’d like to see in our store. 

Residents of Illinois or Wisconsin over the age of 18 will always be able to sign up as a Food Shed Co-op Owner. All members of owner households will receive the benefits of ownership, but only one vote is allowed when items, such as board elections, are brought up. However, multiple members of a household can decide to purchase individual ownerships, and then each member is allowed an individual vote. Once the store is profitable, and at the discretion of the Board of Directors, owners will eligible to receive patronage dividends based in proportion to the owner’s spending.

Up until our Opening Day, on May 15, 2024, everyone who signs up as an Owner is considered a Founding Owner. In addition to the other benefits, Founding Owners will share a very special place in our history because they were believers in our mission before the store existed.