Who can join the co-op?

The co-op is open to anybody able to contribute to the co-op with their services and membership. Our community is in great need of a low cost/affordable healthy food store accessible to everyone in our diverse area.

Who is “in charge” of the co-op?

Since the co-op is still in the planning stages no one person or group is “in charge.” We have general meetings, with a Steering committee that helps set the agenda. The Steering committee is made up of heads of working committees that are researching and beginning to plan for various parts of the co-op.

What are the committees?

The committees are made up of individuals who meet independently to plan and advance different aspects of the co-op’s formation. Committees have been organized around Outreach, Merchandise, Governance, Location/Lease, Finance, Branding and Technology. Anyone is welcome to join one or more committees. Each committee is overseen by member(s) of the Steering committee. In addition, the Steering committee meets periodically to insure that each committee’s work is coordinated

Where will the co-op be located?

A Location/Lease committee has been formed to investigate where the co-op should be located. We welcome input from prospective members as well as ideas about appropriate affordable, available space.

 Can anybody shop at the co-op? Do I need to live in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill?

 GHFC members have voted for it to be a 100 percent working coop. Meaning - members will work an as-yet unspecified amount in order to be able to shop at the co-op. We will not limit memberships to neighborhood residents.

Are you collecting money?

We have not opened any accounts for the co-op and have not incorporated or begun doing business – thus no money is being collected and no one is making money off the co-op. We are actively investigating how to fund a few very basic costs associated with this early stage of forming the co-op, and are also developing proposals for longer-term funding models. At the point where we are ready to collect money we will incorporate and members will decide how to invest any profits beyond covering our costs.

How much will it cost to join? Will it cost the same for everybody?

Joining costs will depend on financial needs. A number of alternatives are under discussion and will eventually be proposed to the membership for adoption or revision. At this time, we anticipate that there will be a modest member investment and/or a joining fee since members are the owners of the co-op. Member investments are refundable if you leave the co-op. We are investigating installment plans as well as sliding scale for investments and/or joining fees. We will probably have arrangements to make membership affordable to members of various income levels.  In addition, other financing options, such as accepting loans of additional amounts over and above the basic membership costs, are being investigated. All ideas or proposals are welcome and can be submitted to the Finance Committee.

Do all members have to work? How many hours would I have to work?

In a working co-op, members generally work a small number of hours per month. One of the benefits of being a working co-op is lower labor costs which means lower costs and lower prices.

What if I am disabled?

We will make all reasonable considerations for members with disabilities. We are committed to creating an accessible store. At other co-ops, this can include providing assistance for shopping and flexible or reduced work requirements.

 

Will there be assistance with bringing groceries to my home, bus, train or car?

This has not been determined – but if this is a need for you, we would like to hear your concerns and ideas: Everything is controlled and voted on by the members of the co-op.

 

What should I do with my children when I have to work or shop?

We are making it a priority to find ways to provide childcare as a service to members shopping or working. We know this is a concern for many prospective members.

 

Will the co-op accept food stamps/WIC/EBT/coupons?

We are committed to serving our entire community. Part of our planning is to find out how we can qualify to participate in these programs.

 

What products will be carried? Will it just be vegetarian and “health food”?

Our merchandising committee will determine what we will carry and this will be presented to the members for a vote. Anyone can join this committee. Our emphasis will be on affordable, healthy food and will not be limited to vegetarian or “health food.” We will have a forum for member requests and weigh them on a regular basis.

How can I get involved? What can I do to help?

We encourage prospective members to come to a general meeting – held monthly – in the neighborhood. Check out our website at www.greenehillfoodcoop.com. There are many aspects to plan and we need help with all of them. Call us at 718-208-4778 or email us at info@greenehillfoodcoop.com.  Our success depends on having many engaged, committed members: We welcome you to join us!