important information about ownership
Why Ownership Matters
Own More Than a Grocery Store—Build a Better Food System
A one-time $200 investment. A lasting impact on our community.
When you join the Food Shed Co-op, you’re purchasing a piece of a community-owned grocery store—but you’re also becoming part of something bigger.
In today’s global food system, much of what we eat moves through long, complex supply chains. By becoming an owner, you’re helping strengthen a more local, resilient alternative—supporting nearby farmers, keeping food dollars in our region, and helping build a food system that’s more sustainable and better connected to the land and our community.
While you don’t have to be an owner to shop, co-op member-owners receive many benefits—and help shape what this store can become.
You own the store where you shop!
- As a brand new owner, you will receive a special welcome coupon to use right away
- Owners get advanced notice and early access to events and classes
- Owners receive a weekly Owner-only sale flyer in our Weekly Beet newsletter, emailed every Wednesday
- Owners receive 10% off one full grocery shop each month—a benefit that can quickly pay for the cost of ownership
- Owners have a voice and a vote in Board elections—and can run for the Board
- Owners are eligible for patronage dividends in profitable years, at the discretion of the Board
- All shoppers enjoy regular weekly deals & savings
All shoppers can get a 10% discount on special ordering by the case (visit us in store for pricing)
Together, we’re not just buying groceries—we’re part of a movement helping shape the future of food, right here at home.the
CO-OP DEALS are for all of our shoppers and rotate every two weeks to keep sales fresh
OWNER DEALS offer special pricing on select products each month just for co-op owners
CO+OP BASICS offer everyday low prices on popular grocery and household items
After you become an owner...
Once you complete your owner information and purchase your shares, you’ll receive a confirmation email. After processing, we’ll send your official Owner Number.
On your next visit, simply show that email to a cashier or manager to receive your owner packet, owner card, and a $10 welcome coupon.
Use your Owner Number at checkout to access monthly specials and track your annual purchases—helping determine eligibility for future patronage dividends.
The nitty gritty...
A cooperative is a business that is democratically owned and democratically controlled by its members. Co-ops can be organized for the benefit of consumers, producers and workers and operate in almost all industries, including grocery markets, health care, finance, agriculture, and more. Unlike privately owned businesses where a small amount of investors control the profits, co-ops return surplus revenue to the store and the community, an approach to business that results in a powerful economic force that benefits the co-op, its owners and the communities it serves. Members invest their money as equity and make business decisions democratically to ensure the health and longevity of the Co-op and community. This is why we refer to our members as “member-owners.”
- A share purchase is a one-time only purchase ($100 per share / two share minimum or $200 minimum investment)
- Once you’re an owner you are an owner for life – with no additional costs for those shares
- An owner may purchase up to 10 shares in total ($1000 investment) – but an owner with 2 shares has NO LESS say in the conducting of co-op business than the person owning 10 shares. Additional money invested in the cooperative only shows how much faith you have in a sustainable future for our planet and eating healthy, local food, and keeping as many dollars as we can circulating in McHenry County rather than filling the pockets of the executives at Kroger or other large-conglomerate grocery chains
- Owner’s personal information will never be shared outside of the Food Shed Co-op without their permission.
- YOU MUST BE A RESIDENT OF IL or WI AND at least 18 years old to become a Food Shed Owner!
Please Note: You are buying equity in a member-owned cooperative and this fee is not tax deductible. Tax-deductible donations can be made on our Donate Page via GiveMN.org Purchasing stock in the cooperative is subject to the same risks inherent in any business enterprise. The Cooperative will buy back stock at the original price, less reasonable processing fees, if the Board determines this is possible per the terms of the bylaws.
Owner
Monthly Payments
Two shares of common stock*
*Monthly payment plan is set up in 10 installments of $21.00/month, which includes a $10 administrative fee.
Owner
Financial Assistance
Two shares of common stock*
*Upon application approval and receipt of the initial $21 payment plan installment