Membership at Oneota Co-op

Become a Member-Owner

To become a member-owner.  You buy a refundable share worth $140. Pay for it over seven years, or all at once.
The co-op operates on the principle of one share, one vote.  Any person may hold a share in the co-op.  However, it is not necessary for each person in a household to own a share.  Members of the same household can shop on one membership, but only the person holding the share may vote in matters concerning the co-op.  If you choose to leave the co-op, you may receive a full refund of your share.

Cooperative member/ownership benefits the business as well as its members.  It provides us with equity to make major purchases (such as new equipment) or improvements.  Co-op owners gain many benefits as well as rights and responsibilities.  Your participation and commitment enlivens the Co-op and helps to make it a true community organization.

As a co-op member-owner, you can:

• help to sustain a locally-owned business
• share in the success of the Co-op through your annual member patronage dividend
• get a free subscription to the Scoop, our bi-monthly newsletter
• receive 12 annual monthly discounts, worth 5% off an unlimited amount of most items in the store
• get additional discounts on specified “member only sale” items
• receive discounts on classes at the store
• receive a 5% discount on Mondays if you are over 60 years old
• write checks for up to $20 over your purchase for cash back
• get discounts at many locally-owned businesses through our Community Discount Program
• order products directly from our main co-op distributors and save substantially through our special order program
• place free classified ads or reduced rate display ads in the Scoop
• attend our monthly potlucks
• have access to information on the Co-op’s financial status
• run for a seat on the board of directors
• vote in board elections and on referenda
• become a volunteer and receive an additional 4% or 8% working member discount at the register

What is a Working Member?

As a member of Oneota Community Food Co-op, your involvement can take many forms. Your patronage is one very important way to support the store. Your member share payment is another. It enables us to provide an appealing, well-stocked store.

You may further participate by lending a hand with store operations or special events. There are a variety of possible tasks. Although work is not required of members, participating directly in store activities can be both personally satisfying and financially rewarding.

It’s a great chance to make new friends and explore new foods. It’s satisfying to cooperate directly with other members and staff to get the job done. And it really helps the co-op!

Why be a working member?

Working two to four hours each month qualifies you for a 4 or 8% discount on all discountable items (non-discounted items include deli, milk, butter, Waving Grains baked goods, wine, beer,  and a few other miscellaneous items.)  Hours worked during the current month earn you next month’s discount. For example, if you work in February, you will receive a discount for all of March. You can also “work ahead,” banking hours that can be used in future months. The Co-op keeps a record of your working hours and discounts.

Note: Members who are 60 or better receive a 5% discount on Mondays. They do not need to work to receive this discount. If they wish to work, they can add the working member discount to their Monday senior discount.

Who can work?

Anyone over age 14 who is a member of the Co-op can be a working member.

How do I match my skills and interests with the work to be done?

There are a number of ways to volunteer at the co-op. There are jobs that take place once a week, once a month, quarterly, and on an as-needed basis. You can use the checklist on this brochure to indicate the jobs in which you are interested. If those jobs that you check are available, or when they do become available, we will contact you.

How do I get my discount?

After each time you work, record your hours in the working member log book which is located at the customer service desk. At the beginning of the next month your discount will be added to your account. When you shop, the discount will appear at the top of the screen. (Please tell us if it’s not showing up, so that we can fix it.)

JOBS LIST

Deli Dishwasher

Load our industrial size dishwasher, and also hand wash cooking pans. Qualifications: able to stand for a minimum of one hour, tolerate steaming water and hot dishes. Minor lifting involved.

Grocery Stocker

Stock our shelves and sometimes clean them. Tues. or Fri. mornings.  Qualifications: able to bend and squat for 2 hours. Some heavy lifting is required.

Laundry Washer

Wash co-op laundry once a week. Take it home one day, return it the next. Qualifications: having your own washer, and a way to get the laundry home and back. Non-smoking households only.

Produce Helper

Trim, sort, and wash produce.  Qualifications: able to stand for 2 hours.

Baggers/Customer Service

Help our shoppers bag (or box) their groceries. Deliver them to the car when necessary. Qualifications: able to stand for 2 hours, some lifting of heavy bags and boxes.

Educators

We are always looking for members who are interested in teaching classes, particularly related to food and cooking. Qualifications: passion and experience with your topic, work well with people, able to speak to groups.

General Cleaning

Help keep the Co-op clean. Tidy up our bathrooms and staff room as well as sweep, dust, and mop when necessary. Qualifications: able to reach, bend and move with few physical limitations.

Food Sampling/Demo

Give out food samples to our shoppers. If you like good food and talking to people, this job can be for you.

Cooler Cleaner

This is an occasional job, depending on the department. You will be called every 2 to 3 months, and spend 2 to 4 hours moving food and wiping down walls and racks. Qualifications: ability to lift heavy boxes and reach, bend and move with few physical limitations.

Musicians (or other talent)

The Coop is always in need of musicians, artists, clowns, face painters, dancers, etc. who are willing to perform at our special Coop events. Musicians will receive an hour of work credit for rehearsal time.