At O.B. People's Organic Food Market You Own the Store!
Everyone can shop at People's, but a refundable investment of $15 a year makes you a co-owner and saves you a 10% surcharge on your purchases. People's Co-op Owners and first-time visitors pay marked prices. For non-owners who shop more than once at the Co-op, a 10% surcharge is added at the registers.
By investing in a member-ownership, you can participate in decision-making at the Co-op by running for the Board of Directors, or by joining one of several committees. And as an Owner, your financial investment works toward a better Co-op and a better community through the donations People's gives, the products offered, and the local and small family farms and industries that the Co-op supports.
Joining the Co-op
To become an owner of O.B. People's Organic Food Market, simply fill out an ownership application available at the Co-op registers. Turn in the application with your $15 annual investment and you are immediately entitled to all of the benefits of Co-op ownership. You are a fully vested owner once you have reached $300.
Ownership Benefits
Owner Appreciation Discount Days
Owner prices
Special order items and case discounts
Subscription to monthly newsletter
Vote in annual Board elections
Eligibility to serve on the Co-op Board
Seniors save everyday, please ask a cashier for details
Democratic participation in business decisions
Write checks for up to $50 over purchase amount
Health and Wellness Seminars
Free use of the Co-op's Community Room
Ownership FAQ
How do I join? Fill out an application at the Co-op registers and return it to any cashier with your yearly ownership investment of $15. Within a few weeks, an ownership card will be mailed to you. Your ownership is active for one year from date of joining.
Who can use my ownership? The person who joins is the principle shareholder, the "owner" of the share. However, all owners of the household - spouse, family, roommates, etc. - are entitled to ownership benefits except for the voting privilege and senior discount. It is only the principle shareholder who is entitled to vote in Co-op elections.
How do I get owner prices? Please give the cashier your ownership card. Other household owners may also use your card. For convenience, extra cards are available for $1.00.
How do I keep my ownership active? Keep your original ownership card. A reminder mailing with a renewal form and return envelope will be sent 1-3 weeks before your ownership lapses. You can also find out when your ownership lapses by asking a cashier.
Who is in charge of the Co-op? An elected Board of Directors is responsible for the Co-op and oversees the General Manager, who in turn supervises a staff of dept. managers and employees. Owners are encouraged to vote, make comments by using the Co-op's suggestion box, attend monthly Board of Director meetings, and take part in the Annual Meeting, Annual Birthday Bash and other Co-op events.
What if I stop shopping here? If you do not invest $15 in your ownership annually, it becomes inactive. You may request a full refund of all ownership investments paid (see statement on Ownership Application).