MEMBER-OWNER POLICY

Member-Ownership

Portland Food Co-op Member-Owners invest in the Co-op to support the viability and growth of our Co-op. Each Member-Owner is a stakeholder in the business and is therefore entitled to all voting and decision-making rights as outlined in the Bylaws and as determined by the Board of Directors. These rights and responsibilities include voting in Board elections, running for a position on the Board, and voting on important matters that are brought to a vote by Member-Owners. Member-Ownership is limited to individuals 18 years of age or older, and to cooperative and nonprofit organizations. Each Member-Owner invests $100 and receives a Member-Owner ID number. Please see below for additional Member-Ownership payment options.

Member-Owner Investment

Portland Food Co-op Member-Owners make a one-time equity investment of $100. Full payment is preferable, as the Co-op relies upon Member-Owner investment for its growth and sustainability. However, if potential Member-Owners are unable to make their investment with one payment, they may make quarterly payments of $25 each. Contact info@portlandfood.coop for more information.

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.

The Co-op also provides a reduced equity investment of $10 to individuals on public assistance, for as long as the individual receives that subsidy. Government assistance includes: Food Stamps (SNAP), 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.

Ending your Co-op Member-Ownership

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.