Owned by Real People
Cooperation: it’s in the name! Cooperatives form when people work together toward a common goal that can’t be achieved alone. There are many different kinds of co-ops, but a food co-op is a grocery store owned by the people who shop there, all working toward providing healthy, high-quality food to their communities at good prices—for shoppers and producers.
The Skagit Valley Food Co-op has been community-owned for almost 50 years! We’re owned by over 23,000 area households, and while we’re still a little quirky and crunchy, co-ops aren’t just for hippies anymore. We’re simply the best grocery store in town where you can find fresh, local food and popular organic brands, too. And we’re not an exclusive club; you can come in and shop or browse any time you want. Tourists, travellers, and neighbors are always welcome. No membership required!
Better Business
Unlike other grocery stores, we’re totally independent and never have to report to outside investors, which means we have the spectacular opportunity to do business the right way. We send more profits directly back to our employees, members, and community by paying livable wages, offering discounts, and by working with local growers, brewers, bakers, and makers (can you say job creation?). Because the Co-op keeps more money in the local economy, when you shop here, your hard earned dollars are more likely to stay in Skagit, too.
Cooperative Principles
Co-ops rock! Part of what makes Skagit Valley Food Co-op different is our foundational principles. Co-ops around the world follow these seven internationally recognized principles:
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Member Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independence
Education, Training and Information
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Concern for Community