Member support (also called member equity) is the Co-op's foundation for securing the commercial loans that are necessary for store design, renovations, equipment, start-up inventory, and operating capital.

Membership and member-owner loans are proof of community support so that, together with other loans and grants, we can establish a full-service, cooperatively owned grocery store in downtown Troy. Membership now exceeds 700! Our goal is to increase membership to 1,000 in the coming months. Join now.


Benefits of Being a Member-Owner

The Troy Community Food Co-op is owned by the people who use its services - YOU. As a member-owner you are entitled to:

  1. Vote in board elections and other referenda that help set the direction of the Co-op.
  2. Run for the Board of Directors and serve on various committees.
  3. Save on groceries through member-owner only sales promotions.
  4. Participate in quarterly member-owner appreciation days. One day per quarter member-owners will receive a discount off all groceries.
  5. Receive a patronage refund; once the Co-op is profitable, the profits will be shared with the member-owners.
  6. Use discounts at local businesses through the Community Connections Program (this program will grow as the Co-op grows):
    • Member-owners can open accounts at SEFCU.
    • Member-owners receive a 10% discount at Some Girls Boutique in Troy.
    • Honest Weight Food Cooperative in Albany offers Troy Co-op member-owners a 2% discount on all purchases.
  7. Be a part owner = community empowerment:
    • Every member-owner's investment in the Co-op makes the community stronger by pooling resources to solve our own food needs.
    • Improved local economy: the Co-op creates jobs for Troy and a thriving market for the local agricultural community.

What does it cost to be a member-owner?

To become a Co-op member costs $150. This $150 is for the purchase of a share in the corporation: a cooperative is a special type of corporation formed by members of a community who pool their money to fill a need in the community. There are no additional annual costs associated with your membership. You will receive a member number and card. Your right to purchase at the Co-op may be shared with three other adult members of your household. Simply provide their names on your application.

If other adults in your household wish to participate in the Co-op's governance (i.e., they want their own vote), each adult must submit a membership application and pay the $150 to purchase a share.

The Troy Community Food Co-op offers payment plans for those on a fixed or low income as well as installment payment options. Contact the Co-op General Manager about these options.

Are there risks?

Yes. As with any business investment, your ownership share is subject to risk. In the end it is possible that the Co-op may not be successful.

However, the board and general manager are making every effort and taking all precautions to prevent this. There are more than 350 successful food co-ops across the United States. And we have every reason to believe that the Troy Community Food Co-op can succeed.

If it does not succeed, the member-selected Co-op Board of Directors will determine how the assets would be distributed. (Read the bylaws).

Join

Interested in becoming a Co-op member-owner? Join now!

Spread the word about the Troy Community Food Co-op!

Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the new cooperative grocery store coming to downtown Troy. Print a copy of the brochure (.pdf) to share with them.