How do I become a member-owner of the co-op?
Attend an orientation, make your equity investment by check, and sign up for a work shift if you are going to purchase food. We have two types of member-ownership, purchasing and organizational. Both require an equity investment of $100.
Do I have to make the equity investment in full before becoming a member-owner?
No. Full payment is preferable because we are relying on member-owner investment for our next stages of growth. However, if you are unable to pay the full investment in one installment, a payment plan can be arranged. Contact equity@portlandfoodcoop.org for more information.
Is there a student or discount membership?
We offer a $10, low-income option for the equity investment. To qualify, the member-owner must be receiving public assistance. In order to activate the low-income option, you submit a copy of your eligibility letter from DHHS with your member-owner application.
Is member-ownership for an individual or a family?
Member-ownership is individual. Each member-owner makes an investment and receives a member-owner ID. You can buy food for your family, household, and friends, of course, but the rights and responsibilities of equity investors belong solely with you, the individual member-owner. If you are a purchasing member-owner, you are responsible for performing the work shift yourself or making arrangements for coverage, which can be by a member of your household or another member-owner.
Is my member-owner investment refundable?
Yes. If a member-owner decides to leave the PFC, s/he may choose to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the PFC by leaving his/her investment with the co-op. Alternatively, the PFC will refund equity in a time period that allows for its ongoing, sustained financial operations. Please contact equity@portlandfoodcoop.org for more information.
What does it mean to be a member-owner of the Portland Food Co-op?
PFC member-owners invest in the co-op to support the viability and growth of the cooperative. In addition to being eligible to participate in cooperative purchasing, each member-owner is a stakeholder in the cooperative business and is therefore entitled to all the voting and decision-making rights as outlined in the PFC bylaws and as determined by Board of Directors Policy. These rights and responsibilities include voting in board member elections, running for a position on the board, and voting on important matters that are brought to a vote by member-owners. Member-owners hold the board accountable to the mission and give input on priorities.
Purchasing Member-Owners
Are member-owners who purchase food and other products through the co-op. They attend orientation prior to placing their first order, and they are required to work one 3-hour monthly work shift through the length of their active member-ownership.
Organizational Member-Owners
Are member-owners who support the co-op's growth through their equity investment, and take part in decision-making, but do not purchase food. They make an equity investment of $100 and are not required to do a work shift (although volunteering to help in any way is much appreciated!).
Does shopping at the Portland Food Co-op save me money?
The PFC regularly conducts price comparisons between items bought through the co-op and those purchased at other grocery stores in Portland. The most recent price comparison showed PFC member-owners had a 26% average savings when buying with PFC compared to other grocery stores in Portland. The cost savings with buying from the PFC ranged from 0-71%, with 50% of the items member-owners bought not being sold at local groceries.
Can I do all my grocery shopping at the co-op?
Through our vendor options member-owners have access to buying all their groceries through the co-op because we have access to over 60,000 local, natural, and organic products. Please click on “More information about the food available through the co-op and how the process works" to find out more.
Does the food co-op accept EBT payment?
Yes. The Portland Food Co-op accepts EBT payment for all vendors. Please note that EBT can only be used for food items.
What is the current process for buying food from the co-op?
Please click on “More information about the food available through the co-op and how the process works" to find out more.
Where is the Portland Food Co-op located?
The PFC is located at 56 Hampshire Street at the intersection of the East End, downtown, and India Street neighborhoods. It is walkable from anywhere on the Portland peninsula, and is half a block from the Congress Street bus route.
Who runs the Portland Food Co-op?
The Board of Directors, which is composed of member-owners of PFC. You can see the current board members by clicking on this link.
Who do I contact about money concerns?
The PFC treasurer at treasurer@portlandfoodcoop.org.
Once I have attended the orientation, how soon can I begin to purchase food with the co-op?
As soon as we process your member-ownership and you have signed up for a work shift. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to process your membership.
When and where are the orientations held?
Orientations are usually held twice a month and last approximately two hours. Orientations are held at the Portland Food Co-op, located at 56 Hampshire Street. Most orientations occur on weeknights around 6:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Click here to sign up for an orientation.
What if the workshift I want is not available?
If the shift you want is not available, you may ask to be placed on the waiting list. While you are waiting for the shift to open, please choose another work shift.
If I cannot make my work shift one month, can I trade with another member-owner?
You are welcome to trade work shifts with other member-owner to accommodate your schedules, provided that you both notify your coordinators. It is your responsibility to see that your work shift is completed.
How do I change my workshift?
If you can no longer attend your work shift on a (permanent) regular basis, contact the work shift coordinator (workshift@portlandfoodcoop.org) as soon as possible to change your shift. When changing your shift please give the work shift coordinator as much notice as you can.
How do I let you know I have changed my address and/or phone number?
Please contact info@portlandfoodcoop.org if you change any of your contact information.
I would like to purchase an item through the PFC, from a farmer/producer who sells locally. Can we get it?
Please contact vendors@portlandfoodcoop.org to let the Producer-Direct Coordinator know what you would like. We will do our best to find out if and when it is possible for us to provide the product.
