Frequently Asked Questions

What is a co-op? why should I shop there?

A co-op (short for cooperative) is a businesses that is owned and controlled by the people who use it. We have created a whole page to answer this question in more detail. Click here to check it out!

Do you accept SNAP benefits?

Yes, we proudly accept SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps or EBT). We even participate in a program where you can use your SNAP benefits to get free local produce. Click here to learn more.

Do I have to join to shop at the store?

Everyone is welcome at the Co-op and Member-Ownership is not required to shop. While Member-Ownership is not required, joining the Co-op gives you a unique opportunity to support and collaborate with your local community.

What are the benefits of being a Member-Owner?

By joining the Portland Food Co-op, you are helping to ensure the success of our locally-owned grocery store that provides you and the entire community with access to high-quality local, natural, and organic food and household products. The store can’t succeed without your support!

Member-Owners:
- support our cooperatively owned business that is dedicated to our community and to the local economy;
- join with thousands of your community members in owning a business that makes a difference:
- vote for the Board of Directors
- earn rewards points and receive loyalty coupons
- receive a discount for most full-case special orders orders;
- receive a patronage dividend when the Co-op earns surplus income.

How do I become a Member-Owner?

You become a Member-Owner by purchasing an equity share, which is a one-time equity investment in the Co-op. The cost of a share is $100 (or $10 for low-income individuals). We also have a payment plan available broken down into 4 quarterly payments of $25 each. This is not an annual fee. Once you buy your equity share, you are an owner of the business and get a vote in decisions brought before Member-Owners. A printable version of the enrollment form is available online . It is also available in the store.

Can anyone join?

Ownership is open to any individual 18 years of age or older. Cooperative and non-profit organizations, who wish to make purchases for use or consumption by the organization, may also join. We have payment plans and low-income options for becoming a Member-Owner to ensure that ownership is accessible to everyone.

Is there a work requirement?

Everyone can shop with no work shift or volunteer expectation. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities to support the mission of the Co-op, please reach out to info@portlandfood.coop.

Is Member-Ownership for an individual or a family?

Member-Ownership is individual. The Member-Owner and any member of his or her household may make purchases from the Co-op on the terms available to that Member-Owner, which includes receiving Member-Owner sale prices on designated products. However, it is only the individual Member-Owner who may vote in elections and run for the Board.

What types of payments are accepted?

Cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and SNAP Benefits (according to state guidelines) are accepted for all product purchases. To purchase an equity share, we accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, or money orders. Proof of assistance is required for purchasing an equity share using the low-income option. Email info@portlandfood.coop for more information. Please note that SNAP benefits (also known as Food Stamps or EBT) may not be used to purchase an equity share.

How do the payment plan/low-income options work?

To ensure that ownership is accessible to everyone, the share may be paid in four quarterly installments of $25. You will receive the full benefits of Member-Ownership from your first payment. If you are receiving public assistance, your equity investment is reduced to $10 for as long as the individual receives that subsidy. Government assistance includes: SNAP Benefits (also know as Food Stamps or EBT), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, WIC, General Assistance, Family Health, and Section 8 Housing. To activate the low-income option, the Member-Owner provides a copy of their eligibility letter from DHHS (or the municipality if receiving General Assistance) with their Member-Owner application. To purchase an equity share using a payment plan or the low-income option, please print out this PDF and mail it to 290 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101 along with a check and for the low-income option, a copy of your letter of eligibility from DHHS or your municipality. You can also submit you Member-Owner application and equity payment online and email your DHHS documentation to accounting@portlandfood.coop

Please note that if you are on a payment plan, your $25 installment payments are due every three months until you have reached $100. Our cash registers prompt the cashiers to let you know when your next equity payment is due. If you choose to delay a payment, your Member-Ownership is put on hold until you make that payment. To vote in our annual elections, your equity payments must be current as of 30 days before the election.

Is my Member-Owner investment refundable?

If a Member-Owner decides to leave the Co-op (divest from the Co-op), your co-op equity may be refundable. This is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and dependent on the financial condition of the Co-op. To request to divest from the Co-op, contact info@portlandfood.coop and you will receive a form to fill out and return. A Member-Owner leaving the Co-op is also allowed to donate their equity to the Co-op or transfer it to a new Member-Owner. Contact info@portlandfood.coop for info about any of these options.

What are the rights and responsibilities of a Member-Owner?

Co-op Member-Owners invest in the Co-op to support the viability and growth of the cooperative. Each Member-Owner is a stakeholder in the business and is entitled to the voting and decision-making rights as outlined in the Bylaws and as determined by the Board of Directors. This includes voting in Board elections, running for a position on the Board, and voting on other important matters.

What is a patronage rebate?

A patronage rebate distributes the Co-op’s excess profits to its Member-Owners in years that it generates more profit than is needed for healthy operations, staff compensation, and loan repayments. The amount of the rebate is proportional to the amount of purchases the Member-Owner made from the Co-op that year.

Will my equity share change in value over time?

Your initial equity share will not change in value and does not bear dividends.

Where will my equity money go?

Equity money is used to support the growth and viability of the Co-op.

What is the role of the Board of Directors?

The Portland Food Co-op is owned by people in the community – over 5000 in total! Obviously, having that many owners trying to directly manage a business would be impossible. Instead, the Member-Owners elect a Board of Directors to govern the organization on their behalf.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the Co-op. Directors are elected every spring and serve three-year terms. The Board meets once a month, and Board meetings are open to all Member-Owners. Those interested in running for the Board are strongly advised to attend at least one Board meetings to learn more about leadership within the Co-op.

An important role of the Board is to hire and oversee the General Manager, who runs the day-to-day operations of the retail store. The Board is also responsible for the long-term vision of the Co-op. While the current retail store is the most tangible product of the organization, the Board is always seeking ways to expand the positive impacts of the Co-op on our Member-Owners and the community.

Board meetings are held online via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 7-9 PM. Information is always available on the Co-op calendar. Meetings are open to all. If you would like to attend a board meeting, please email board@portlandfood.coop. (please note that there is no Board meeting in December) Click here to learn much more about our Board of Directors.