If you join it, you own it!

Cooperatives function to provide the greatest possible benefits to their member-owners. This Co-op will also benefit the community by forging relationships with local farmers and food producers, and by keeping more of your food dollars circulating in the local economy. 

Everyone will be welcome to shop at the Co-op, but only member-owners qualify for some unique benefits. Read below to learn more about the advantages of becoming a member-owner.

Q. What are the benefits in becoming a member-owner?

While the Co-op will be open to all shoppers, only those who invest in a $200 Share will become member-owners, receiving the following benefits:

• Patronage Refunds (profit sharing).

Each year the Co-op is profitable, at least 20% of profit (and sometimes more!) will be returned to all Full Share member-owners, based on their purchases in the previous year.  See our contract terms for more details.

• Member-owner specials. 

Member-owners will benefit from special prices and events such as Member-Owner Appreciation Day discounts.

• Discounts at other food co-ops

As soon as you purchase your Kitsap Community Food Co-op membership, you will be eligible to receive member discounts at other food co-ops, too! Policies vary from store to store, but most do accept other co-op membership, including the Port Townsend and Olympia food co-ops. You can begin saving on local food even before opening day!

• A voice in the Co-op. 

Help shape the decisions and direction the store takes by helping to select Directors, attending Board meetings or running for a position on our Board of Directors. It’s your store!

• Co-op Newsletters.

Once the store opens, member-owners will receive newsletters containing articles on current food issues, delicious recipes, local connections and much more. Newsletters will also contain important messages from the Board and Management, helping you to stay in touch with the direction of the Co-op.

Q. Who may shop with my Membership Card?

Once you have joined as a member-owner, you are issued two Membership Cards under the Primary Member’s name, which your entire household may use (max three adults per household, including the Primary Member). It is important you let us know the names of those in your household on your application, so we will know who is authorized to use the Primary Member’s card. Ask us if you would like to receive any additional cards for other members of your household.

Q. Is my investment refundable?

Yes. Unlike many other retail memberships, being a member-owner of our Co-op allows you to ask for your entire investment back should you move or otherwise decide to resign your membership. This refund will be sent back to you in accordance with the current Co-op policy. See our contract terms for more details.  

Q. Why join now?

This is a critical time to become a member-owner, as we must gather a significant amount of capital prior to securing a location. Member-owner equity will primarily be used to secure private bank loans, and will also demonstrate the commitment the community has toward this venture. You may also purchase additional refundable shares in $50 increments to help us open our doors even sooner!

By purchasing one or more shares in the Co-op today, you are joining with hundreds of others, voting to keep your dollars local, and supporting our local farmers and crafters.

Q. What are “additional shares,” and why should I purchase them?

For those who can afford to invest more than $200, we are offering the purchase of an additional refundable investment in $50 increments, or 1/4 Shares. The advantage to investing in more than your Full Share is that it helps your co-op get its member equity sooner. Some members will be opting to use payment plans to make membership fit within their budget, and the purchase of these additional shares by members who can afford to do so will help ensure we have enough of member equity up front, while others complete their payments. All shares are fully refundable per Co-op policy. See our contract terms for more details.

Q. May I start with a lesser amount?

Paying your Full Share Investment up front helps the Co-op the most, and also helps you avoid any service fees. However, if you find your budget won’t allow for the full payment at this time, you may pay as little as $25 now (plus a one-time $10 service fee for administering the payment plan). As soon as you make your first payment, you will enjoy all the benefits of membership except Patronage Refunds, which you will become eligible for once you have completed paying your Full Share Investment.

We hope you will join us in making this community store a reality!

Additional membership questions? Send us an email, or call us at (360) 813-1301.

Join the Co-op Community! Logos of food co-ops around the country display their pride in cooperative ownership.

our mission

The Kitsap Community Food Co-op connects our local community with quality food, products and access to information that promotes a healthy future for our families and our planet. Together we work toward a world where mutually beneficial relationships exist between producers and purchasers.

new! resources for owners

KCFC Bylaws
Click to download most recent version of bylaws. (MS Word Doc)

Board Meeting Calendar:
Click Calendars to find the next board meeting. Member-owners are invited to the first half of any board meeting. Contact the board president to RSVP and receive a copy of the agenda at least one day prior to the meeting.

2009 Annual Report
(PDF download, 1.7 MB)