In the 1970s people wanted organic and unprocessed basic foods that were not readily available in grocery stores. They organized co-ops to get these products and built connections with producers and vendors. Today, natural food co-ops are among the most successful cooperatively owned enterprises.

Thanks in large part to those efforts we have a thriving organic and natural food industry. Food co-ops are changing the way Americans look at food and farming.

Co-op members have certain rights and responsibilities such as:

• Electing the board of directors
• Receiving patronage dividends in years when the Co-op turns a profit
• Receiving a copy of the Co-op Articles and Bylaws
• Reviewing reports on financial performance at the annual meeting and in the newsletter
• Eligibility to run for the board of directors (unless employed by the Co-op)
• Voting for changes in the articles and bylaws as proposed by the board of directors
• Attending board meetings
• Participating in occasional member surveys