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• Membership is Ownership
• Why Join a Co-op?
• Benefits & Responsibilities
• Volunteer
• Join or Renew Ownership

Why Join a Co-op?

Here are seven good reasons to become part of Fare Share Co-op.

Maybe you can think of more. If you do, let us know.

1. OWN the co-op.
Co-op members own the co-op equally, and you can be as active as you choose. You have a voice and a vote at Owner Meetings (twice yearly). You help define the vision and mission of our co-op, and are welcome at monthly meetings of the Board of Directors. You can serve on a committee, suggest new products, and volunteer in the store. And you will feel the pride of ownership when you drive on Main Street and see our bright, sunny storefront.

2. Participate in sales.
Every month Fare Share highlights a significant portion of its inventory for 10% off to owners throughout the month.  Sales categories include: Maine & Local, Fresh & Frozen, Bulk, Health & Body Care.  In addition, beginning in January 2012, members will receive a one-time 5% off coupon each month, to be used by the owner family or passed on to a friend.  Other sales take place when we get special deals from our suppliers.

3. Earn discounts.
Owners have the option to pre-order groceries and other products from our larger suppliers for less than non-members. If you volunteer, your pre-order mark-up will be even smaller, and you will earn a discount on most of your in-store and on-line purchases.

4. Actively challenge corporate control of our food supply.
By investing in and shopping at the Co-op, you challenge the corporate monopoly of the production, packaging, transport, and selling of food and household products. The more you shop here, the more buying power stays in our community.

5. Support local agriculture and products.
Fare Share buys locally whenever possible. When you shop with us, you are supporting the local farms and producers that help create a resilient and sustainable community.

6. Support recycling and reusing.
By buying in case-sizes through pre-orders, or purchasing smaller quantities of unpackaged (bulk) products in the market, we eliminate costly packaging. Many of us bring in our own re-usable containers to cut packaging even more. Fare Share saves boxes for owners and other customers when needed, gives away chicken scraps & compost, and drops off packing material to Going Postal.  Together, we continue to learn more about ways to be kinder to the earth.

7. Build community.
At co-ops, the emphasis is on small and local rather than huge and conglomerate. You’re likely to see friends and can easily sit and share a cup of tea or coffee while you shop. Enjoy homemade soup made from our own local ingredients. Check out upcoming local events, and hear local musicians on the CD player. View local art in the Fare Share Commons next door.  As an owner, you support Fare Share’s ongoing participation in local community resilience efforts.

Join or Renew Ownership