Why Co-op Owned?
Everyone deserves healthy food. Our Co-op
grocery store is part of the solution.
Why it matters in Imperial Beach:
We build it together.
The Co-op is now a self-sustaining grocery store that was funded by the community, donors, and public agencies. Local residents purchased over 1500 shares at $200 each by our opening day. The store is responsive to community needs and input. Owners have an important role in supporting the store and providing feedback, as well as participating in running and voting for the Board of Directors.
Co-op benefits
Better food
- Increase access to healthy food
- More local, fresh, and organics
- Less processed foods
- Bulk food selection
- Selection tailored to our community
Equity and Community
- 44% more donated to charities
- Offer health education
- Build engagement and leadership
- Democratically governed
- Stronger, healthier community
Sustainability
- Green business practices
- Less driving out of town for food
- Support organics and sustainable agriculture
- Role model for sustainable practices
Economic Benefit
- 20+ new jobs
- More purchases from local farms and businesses
- More food dollars stay local
- Generate $6.5 million annually for local economy
The 7 Co-op principles
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner..
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
