Owner Members

Everyone is welcome to shop at Viroqua Food Co-op – you don’t have to be a member.buggy_coop By shopping at VFC, you are contributing to a member-owned business that supports local, organic and natural growers, local suppliers and provides jobs and services that stay within our community.

While absolutely anyone can shop here. a grocery co-op is nothing without its members. Literally. A grocery co-op democratically represents the needs and wishes of its members (you) and forms a powerful economic force in its community. This "democratic capitalism" allows members to support local farmers and artisans, provides jobs to Vernon County residents and returns, when profitable, a portion of store earnings back to the membership itself. This helps to create a thriving economy, flowing in and out of the co-op's doors.

If you aren't a member of Viroqua Food Cooperative, take a moment to look at the benefits of belonging to our cooperative. Once you've decided to become a member-owner, just tell your cashier you want to become a member Next time you’re in the store. Joining just takes a few minutes, there are no forms to fill out, and you'll receive the membership card and new owner member handbook.

Benefits of being an owner member

  • Community Ownership – owner members have a say in how the business is run. Community ownership preserves and celebrates what is unique and local. By becoming an owner member, you are actively involved in building the economic life of our community.
  • Support local farmers and producers.
  • Participate in Co-op governance – A Board of seven elected co-op members represents VFC’s members. VFC’s Board sets policy and supervises the operations of the Co-op. Each Co-op member gets one vote. Vote for Board representatives or run for office yourself
  • Member only specials - We pass on extra savings exclusively to our members. Look for the “Member Special” signs posted on promotions throughout the store.
  • 10% off case buying - Do you always use the same soymilk? Are you feeding a large group? Do you like saving money through bulk buying? As a member you can participate in this deep-discount ordering program. Order case quantities from our suppliers’ catalogs, fill out the order paperwork yourself, and save!
  • 5% off once-a-month shopping spree - Use your member discount on your biggest shopping trip of the month.
  • Receive our bi-monthly newsletter, Pea Soup
  • Free classified ad in Pea Soup
  • Free listing in the Owner-Member Business Directory - published three times a year.

How to become an owner member

  • Apply for membership at the checkout - no forms to fill out!
  • Choose a payment plan that works best for you.
  • Make your investment at the checkout.
  • You will receive your owner-member card and packet upon receipt of your payment.

Membership Alternatives

$75 Equity Membership
When you choose an equity membership, you are purchasing one $25 share
of class B stock and two $25 shares of Class A Stock.
There are two payment options:

  1. $75 (per adult) paid in full
  2. Make three payments of $25 within two years

Owner Member Rights & Responsibilities

Owner Members are encouraged to participate in the ownership of their co-op (see the By-laws and Articles of Incorporation at the end of the booklet). Becoming a Owner Member of a co-op means accepting the rights and responsibilities of a business owner. If co-ops are to succeed, Owner Members need to understand and take their rights and responsibilities seriously.

Rights

      • Elect Directors at the annual election held by ballot.
      • Review reports on financial performance at the annual meeting.
      • Run for a position on the Board of Directors.
      • Vote on questions put before the membership by the board.
      • Vote for changes in bylaws as needed to keep the Co-op current with the law.
      • Attend board meetings. Meeting dates are publicized in the newsletter.
      • Serve on committees established by the board.

        Responsibilities

          • Contribute to the Co-op’s capital. Each adult must purchase $75 in stock or buy one share of $25 Class B stock and two $25 Class A shares.
          • Patronize the Co-op, give your business to your business.
          • Attend annual meetings.
          • Vote in elections and respond to surveys.
          • Seek information on issues related to the mission of the Co-op–read the newsletter and mailings.
          • Contact local, state and federal representatives on issues related to the Co-op’s mission
          • Encourage others to become members and shop frequently at the Co-op.
          If you have issues or concerns regarding Policies of the Co-op, you can contact (or run for) your Board of Directors.