potential vendor information
Are you interested in becoming a supplier for our store?
We hope to make the process as simple as possible for you.
In order to be added to our database of potential Food Shed Co-op vendors, you will first need to share as much information with us as you can on the application form (button above). Feel free to use the comment section to share additional information you would like us to know about your business or products. We will then sort applicants into categories by product type and pass that information along to the correct department manager(s). They will look through applications and contact all candidates who are a good match for our co-op. From there, potential suppliers will need to fill out vendor paperwork and make arrangements for fulfilling product orders for the co-op.
Food Shed Co-op will purchase from local and regional farmers, ranchers, and producers along with larger independent companies whose practices are in alignment with our guidelines as much as possible. Our aim is to provide wholesome, nutritious food and affordable options while paying farmers and producers fairly and honoring the true cost of good food. As a member of the National Cooperative Grocers (NCG), our buyers also use their buying power to find the best products available at the most affordable prices for our owners and customers.
We will prioritize products that are:
● Locally grown or produced within 150 miles of the Food Shed Co-op store. Our hyper-local vendors, those within a 30 mile radius, will receive preferred vendor benefits.
● Grown following sustainable, organic practices.
● Clean: GMO-free, free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fragrances, antibiotics, growth hormones, herbicides or pesticides.
● Grown or produced in a socially responsible manner
We will look for products that:
● Meet or exceed our product standards (more details coming soon).
● Meet the needs of our customers and will sell well
● Have an adequate and consistent supply (while in-season)
● Retail-ready: presented or packaged in a manner that is ready to sell
