Our co-op
A locally grown sustainable food network in our neighborhood.
What is a Co-op?
A co-op is a community-owned business that operates primarily for the benefits of the community members who use it.
Co-ops are owned and managed by their members- all members are owners, and all profits are returned to the owners or used to improve the needs of the owners.
All co-ops operate under the values of being open, fair, and democratic. They are driven by values, not just profits.
Brew/Fair Co-op
The Brew/Fair co-op and all co-ops around the world operate around seven fundamental principles:
- Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
- Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.
- Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members make an equity payment to join the co-op. This equity helps provide the capital needed to start and run the co-op. It pays no interest or dividends and is not a speculative investment. Members allocate surpluses (profits) for any or all of the following purposes: strengthening their cooperative, possibly by setting aside reserves; rebates to members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
- Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
- Education, Training and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public— particularly young people and opinion leaders — about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
- Cooperation among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
- Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members
Who are co-op members?
Members are owners, and owners are members. At a food co-op, any shopper can become a member-owner. This is typically done through an equity investment known as a membership or share, which can be paid at once or over a period of time. This is an investment in ownership stock in the co-op, which provides the financial foundation for a successful business to run long-term.
Interested in getting involved?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a food co-op?
A food co-op is a grocery store owned and operated by its members. Unlike traditional grocery stores run by large corporations, it is owned by people in the community. This allows the co-op to be driven by values, not just profit.
Do I have to be a member to shop at a co-op?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome to shop at a co-op. Membership comes with benefits, but it’s not required to shop.
What is the timeline for the development of the Brew/Fair Co-op?
We are currently in the organizing phase – the very first stage of co-op development. Right now, we’re focusing on building community interest and laying the groundwork for what will become the co-op.
What about Weaver’s Way, South Philly Co-op, and other co-ops that exist in Philly?
We love those co-ops! But there’s still a need for a locally grown, sustainable food network right here in the Brewerytown/Fairmount area.