What is a Food Co-op?

The US Department of Agriculture defines a food co-op as a “user-owned, user-controlled business that distributes benefits on the basis of use.”

Co-ops are unique in that they are owned and democratically governed by their member-owners—the same people who use their products or services.  Profits generated by co-ops stay in and benefit the communities they serve.

SCCM looks to existing food co-ops throughout the United States for successful models while it works to build the ideal grocery shopping experience right here in San Clemente.

Having access to the buying power of a chain store will also mean SCCM’s shoppers can save money.  The National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) is a cooperative federation currently composed of 136 independent food cooperatives operating more than 180 stores in 37 states with combined annual sales of over $1.6 billion.  “NCGA helps unify natural food co-ops in order to optimize operational and marketing resources, strengthen purchasing power, and ultimately offer more value to natural food co-op owners and shoppers everywhere.”

SCCM will be a full-scale, full-service grocery store where member-owners decide what is offered on its shelves.  Priorities include locally sourced, high quality foods and household goods grown or manufactured in ways that support good health for people and the environment.  It will be a place where everyone in the community can enjoy affordable, one-stop shopping from a source they can trust.  Shoppers need not be owners, though there will be advantages for shopping member-owners, including specials and yearly dividends.

The current member-ownership visualizes a food industry where refinement, manipulation, packaging, and synthetic ingredients are kept to a minimum; where integrity and organic practices are the standard—an industry that cares about the environment and the health of people.

 

To become a Founding Member-Owner, please get your share today!