— from Susannah Weaver for Orcas Food Co-op —
Five years ago, in 2014, our Co-op opened its doors because the Orcas Island community wanted a co-op. We have since grown to over 1400 Member-Owners, more than half the households on Orcas Island, and become a leader in the sustainability movement in the islands – you can be a part of this movement when you ‘Join in July!’ We will celebrate Co-op Member-Owners old and new with special gifts throughout the month of July.
Join in July and get a fantastic bag filled with swag, samples from Co-op vendors near and far and lots of other goodies! Members who pay in full also get their choice of one of our new co-op t-shirts. Membership is a $240 one-time investment. You can pay in full or pay by installments of as little as $10 per month until reaching the $240 investment.
Already a Co-op Member-Owner? As a show of appreciation for how much we have accomplished together, our existing Co-op members will receive an Orcas Food Co-op branded gift when they shop during the month of July. Each week during July Members who shop at least once will also be entered to win a $25 gift card. Our existing member base has made it possible for the co-op to continue to expand our offerings, add new storage and office space and most recently, the a new walk-in cooler and improved Deli! As we have grown our Co-op we have also grown our community impact.
What is the value of Co-op Ownership? First, there are the immediate savings in economic benefits including a Monthly Owner Coupon: Member-Owners receive a coupon every month for 10% off a shop of their choice. Special Order Discounts: Member-Owners pay only 10% above UNFI catalog price. Member-Owners receive 5% off bulk everyday. Member-Owners also receive discounts on Co-op events and educational programs. Member-Owners are eligible for patronage dividends as the co-op matures, as well as reciprocal benefits & discounts at most other co-ops nationally.
Beyond that, Co-op Ownership is a commitment to invest in our community and neighbors. Together, we purchase more food from local farmers than any other business in the county. OFC provides a venue for local producers to get their products out into the community with over 60 San Juan County producers in 2018, accounting for over $400,000 in local sales. We invest in supporting local agricultural viability and growing our local economy through these relationships.
OFC supports healthy food access through our Co+op Basics program, making everyday staple items affordable for everyone. The co-op actively donates to local non-profits and sponsors community events and programs. Our cooperative operates with the triple bottom line philosophy and is a leader in the sustainability movement in the Islands. Member-Owners have a voice and can participate in the governance of their co-op by voting on Co-op affairs & elections and can also run for the Board.
We believe in providing the best food we can to our island community. All our produce is grown with organic methods. Every delicious bite of our scratch-made Deli offerings is made using the same high-quality ingredients you find on the shelves.
Co-op membership is open to everyone. For more information about Co-op Ownership and our “Join in July” celebrations, please visit www.orcasfood.coop/join. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a sneak peak of the gifts!
Orcas Food Co-op is a consumer-owned cooperative serving 1,400 Member households and the Orcas Island Community since 2014. Operating a full-service grocery store, Orcas Food Co-op offers the best in organic, local and non-GMO foods. All-organic produce, pastured and humane meat and dairy, and scratch-made deli offerings. Open 7 days a week.
