Join — Berkshire Food Co-op

Everyone can shop. Anyone can own.

We’re a democratically governed grocery store owned by more than 5,000 friends & neighbors working together to make a difference in our community.

Everyone can shop at Berkshire Food Co-op and anyone can become an Owner.

Purchasing a share in the Co-op is an investment in a community-owned business that's a trusted source of healthy, local and organic products while also investing in the sustainability and well-being of our local economy.

Invest in a local business that puts people before profit and enjoy the benefits of ownership.

WHEN YOU BECOME AN OWNER OF OUR CO-OP YOU ARE INVESTING IN MORE THAN A BUSINESS, YOU ARE INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

We are not like other grocery stores. Who else has all of this?

  • Patio parties with goats and food and music!

  • Employees who go above and beyond

  • We get to know the needs of our customers

  • A focus on natural food and wellness

  • Competitive minimum wage

Our customers rave about how cool we are:

  • Fresh, local and organic produce

  • Beautiful and clean shopping experience

  • So much local food in various seasons

  • Have you eaten in the café or hot bar?

  • We have a great community

  • Supportive work environment

  • What impresses YOU about our store?

How do we impact the community?

  • Supporting local agriculture and other local businesses by buying and selling their products

  • Community Discount Program

  • Market match supporter at GB farmers market (we are a $5k contributor last year)

  • Owners vote for the Round Up For Change recipients (average donation of $1500/month)

  • Real Good Giving donations of goods

  • Live demos and weekly live music in the summer

  • We are heavily involved in local food access initiatives like the People’s Pantry and Berkshire Bounty

8 Cooperative Principles:

  1. Voluntary and Open Membership

  2. Democratic Member Control

  3. Members’ Economic Participation

  4. Autonomy and Independence

  5. Education, Training and Information

  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

  7. Concern for Community

  8. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • When you purchase a share in Berkshire Food Co-op, you help us...

    · support local farmers and food producers

    · contribute to the local economy

    · work toward a sustainable local and regional food system

    · provide community education about health and environmentalism

    · engage in sustainable business practices

    · promote thoughtful and responsible consumerism

    · foster a cooperative community spirit

    · offer a needs-based discount

    · save on taxes (the Co-op is not taxed on purchases made by Owners)

  • Owners can also...

    · receive special sale prices on frequently purchased items as part of our Owner Deals

    · get exclusive access to our Buying Club, which allows owners to purchase large quantities below retail prices.

    · receive Patronage Dividends proportional to the amount you spent at the Co-op during profitable fiscal years.

    · vote in Board elections.

    · opt to run for the Board of Directors.

    · use Prepaid Owner Tabs (PPOT) which allow you to use Owner cards at checkout as an alternative to credit/debit cards.

    · attend the Annual Co-op Meeting, enjoy food and drink with the Board and learn about the health and future of our Co-op.

  • You can purchase a share all at once or through an installment program. Either way, once you’ve set up an ownership account, you have all the rights and benefits of Ownership. After you’ve paid in full, you won’t be required to pay any more in equity unless the Board of Directors elects to raise the share amount. If, at any time, you choose to leave the Co-op your equity share is 100% refundable. All you have to do is ask.

    How much does a share cost?

    We want everyone to be able to afford a share in the Berkshire Food Co-op— that’s why we have a payment plan! The total cost of an equity share is $150*. It’s your choice if you want to pay in full when you sign up, or opt into our payment plan. With a $30 initial payment (including a one-time nonrefundable $10 administration fee) you can start enjoying Owner benefits immediately, then you'll pay $20/year until your entire share has been paid for.

    How do you buy a share?!

    It’s EASY! You can either...

    come to the Co-op, get a form from any cashier & fill it out. Then, choose a payment option and pay! Boom, now you OWN a grocery store!

    OR

    purchase a share right here!

    Owners applying in the store will receive their new owner packet immediately which contains an Owner card with Owner number, a share certificate, exclusive new Owner coupons and a reusable shopping bag. New Owners completing their applications online can pick their packets up in the store at their earliest convenience.

    *The Board of Directors may raise the Equity Share at its discretion.

Here’s what our Owners have to say: