Voluntary, open membership
democratic member control-one member, one vote.
Member economic participation
Autonomy and independence
Ongoing education, training and information
Cooperation among cooperatives
concern for community.
How
the Co-op Started | Mission | VOP Principles
Product Selection |
Volunteering for discounts
Costs/Benefits
| Member/Owner INFO
Frequently Asked Questions | Comments
form
The Venice Ocean Park (VOP) Food Co-op began in 1976 as the vision of a small group of community activists, opening our doors at our present location in 1979. Since then VOP has grown, keeping true to our mission as a cooperative business focused on providing organic foods to our member-owners and the public.
A cooperative is a member-owned business that
belongs to the people who use it. As a member-owner you have a say in how your
store is run and what is sells.
VOP operates in accordance with
the cooperative principles first stated by rebellious weavers in England in
1844 as the Rochdale Principles. In brief. These Principles are:
|
Voluntary, open membership |
|
democratic member control-one member, one vote. |
|
Member economic participation |
|
Autonomy and independence |
|
Ongoing education, training and information |
|
Cooperation among cooperatives |
|
concern for community. |
Member-Ownership info:
|
Buy one share ($10) and receive a 2% discount on purchases. |
|
Buy Four or more shares ($40) entitling you to a 5% discount. |
|
You may buy $10 shares over time until you accumulate $40 and your 5% discount. |
|
Share are refundable should you choose to withdraw. |
|
Members who volunteer to work 4 or more hours per month receive an additional 5% discount on all purchases. |
|
Purchases made on Membership Appreciation days get member/owner an additional 5%. |
|
Case purchases receive an additional 10% off total cost of case |
|
Seniors get 5% discounts |
|
A large variety of organic produce (consistently over 100
items) |
|
A wide array of bulk grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, pastas, flours, teas, coffees, herbs, spices, cereals, snacks, dried fruits, mixes, baking goods and sweeteners- plus bulk shampoos, conditioners, soaps and laundry detergent. |
|
Special Orders can be made on any item available by our distributors. We have several distributors and get virtually anything available by any other store. We Have several thousand items in our distributor catalogues to choose from. (contact store for details) <-BONUS OF CO-OP |
|
Grocery, frozen and dairy products |
|
Packages deli items, sandwiches and fresh juices. |
|
Many low sodium, non-dairy, kosher wheat free, raw, vegetarian and vegan items. |
|
Health and beauty aids, vitamins and supplements. |
|
Environmentally safe paper products and household items |
|
Natural pet foods |
|
CD's, books, clothes, magazines and greeting cards. |
|
working in the store |
|
Serving on the Board of Directors |
|
Doing price comparisons |
|
helping with Member education, outreach, administration tasks. the newsletter, other co-op projects, activities, or committees. |
|
PLUS All owners may vote (and be candidates) in board of directors elections and are welcome at board meetings and at member-owner meetings. |
|
Selection-one stop shopping for natural foods and environmentally friendly products of the highest quality. |
|
Discount Prices- 2-10% discount on all purchases. An additional 5% on member appreciation days. |
|
Customized Orders- specialized, bulk, hard to find- unique to you! An extra 10% discount on case orders. |
|
Socially Conscious Participation-invest in serving your community through VOP membership and activities. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
|
Do I have to be a Member/Owner to shop at the Co-op? NO |
|
How much discount do I get at the Co-op? |
