Coop - About Us

: Cost of Membership is a one-time, lifetime fee of $200 per household.

A one-time commitment buys a lifetime of benefits. Members may pay the entire membership fee at one time (prefered), or arrange to pay $20 down, and $10/month.

Bitterroot Food Coop is now taking subscription agreements for membership. These agreements are pledges only. We are not asking for money at this time. See the link on the home page for our ByLaws.

Benefits of Membership:

Ownership - you own a full share of the Co-op. You may participate directly in its management, and may receive patronage dividends at the end of the year.
Member specials - we pass on extra savings exclusively to our members. There will be “Member Special” signs posted on items throughout the store.
Working Member Option - Members are invited to become working members and receive additional discounts on their purchases. (as the Co-op gains fiscal stability)
Other Discounts - will be instituted as the Co-op gains fiscal stability.
Reciprocity with other Co-ops - Show a B’root Valley Food Co-op card at most co-ops throughout the country and receive their member price.
Partners Program - showing your Co-op card at partner businesses entitles you to special discounts at their stores.
Newsletter - information on everything from products on the shelves to issues affecting the region and the world.
Community - each trip to the Co-op is an opportunity to find unusual things and meet unusual people and participate in your Co-op’s future by sharing your comments and suggestions with the staff, by voting, or being a working member.
Detailed information on the source and nutritional value of your food.
Educational opportunities: Cooking classes and other
Opportunity to meet local farmers who produce some of your food and to visit farms in the valley.

Mission Statement

To provide high quality food and goods, promote sustainable living practices and local products, and follow the 7 Co-op principles.

The 7 Co-op Principles:
        1. Voluntary and Open Membership
        2. Democratic Member Control
        3. Member Economic Participation
        4. Autonomy and Independence
        5. Education, Training and Information
        6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
        7. Concern for the Community

Objectives:

to increase markets for local agriculture products that benefit local producers,
to provide fresh, healthy food that is easy for customers to access,
to increase local food production, processing & consumption,
to supply basic needs for BVFC members, including nutritional education and detailed labeling, at the lowest commercially reasonable prices,
to promote agriculture methods that are sustainable and improve soil health and ecosystem biodiversity, wildlife habitat and conservation of natural resources;
to reduce food transportation distances and dependence on fossil fuels;
to improve regional food security, and
to encourage a sense of community, self-sufficiency, and connection to place.

Goals:

to develop a store that is approximately 4 to 5,000 square feet in the Hamilton to Victor area,
to establish an attractive, well stocked store which meets the needs of community members who wish to purchase wholesome, locally produced food as well as foods from other safe, reliable sources,
to develop an initial membership base of at least 800 members,
to support the planning efforts of local producers and contracting for sale of their products, to help expand the variety of agricultural and food products produced in the county.

Owner/Member Benefits