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Like all consumer co-ops, SNFC operates for the good of the people that use it. In addition to the many financial benefits, co-owners of a cooperative enjoy democratic control of the business. Co-op owners have the opportunity to share in the decision-making process, elect Board members and serve on committees.
In addition to being a part of an economic institution that is locally owned and democratically controlled, Co-op owners also enjoy the following benefits:
- End-of-year patronage refund in profitable years
- 15% discount on items pre-ordered in case quantities
- Semi-annual Owner Appreciation discount of 10%
(in spring and fall)
- Monthly Category Specials
- Seasonal Owner Bonus
- Co-op Advantage Program coupons for discounts on selected items
- Right to vote in all Co-op elections
- Opportunity to participate in SNFC's Owner Work Program (owner workers who work 6 hours per month receive a 10% discount)
- Household Shopper privilege
- Free subscription to the Co-op Reporter, SNFC's quarterly newsletter mailed directly to owners
- Quarterly owner meetings
- Free or discounted admittance to SNFC classes, seminars and events
- Opportunity to run for the Board of Directors or serve on any of its advisory committees
- $50 check-cashing privileges
- Eligibility for membership in Church/Co-op Credit Union and all of the services offered by this local cooperative financial institution
Click here to download a pdf that lists all the benefits of ownership.
Owner Rights & Responsibilities
Becoming an owner of a co-op is not the same as joining a club, neighborhood association or other social group. Becoming an owner of a co-op means accepting the rights and responsibilities seriously for co-ops to succeed.
Individual owners have different reasons for joining Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. However, for the cooperative to be a viable organization, which meets the current needs of its owners, owners must accept a number of responsibilities. Each person in the organization must understand her/his responsibilities, understand the roles of others involved and be motivated to help the organization function effectively.
Owner Rights
- Select directors to the Board
- Adopt or change bylaws
- Require that the Co-op follow its bylaws
- Require accurate, timely reports on the Co-op's operations and financial performance
- Review general financial records for information on the Co-op's financial status
- Vote in membership referendums
- Bring legal action against the Co-op if necessary or warranted
Owner Responsibilities
- Patronize the business—use the Co-op's goods and services
- Understand co-op principles
- Understand the Co-op's strategic plan, including our purpose, values, vision, goals and objectives
- Understand the business and operations
- Be aware; know what is going on; keep informed
- Vote and participate in decision-making processes
- Promote the Co-op to others
- Contribute to the Co-op's capital
- Be active in Co-op activities
- Attend Co-op meetings; raise concerns
Questions about becoming a Co-op owner? E-mail our owner administrator for answers.
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