Can anyone shop at the co-op?
No, we are not a retail store, and co-op benefits are available to members only. Working with a small core of committed families is the best way to consistently get the best food at the best prices.
What are the requirements for co-op membership?
The requirements for membership are few but important. Check out our Member Responsibilities page to see if co-op membership is for you.
Do I have to work at the co-op to be a co-op member?
No. We offer a number of ways for people to help defray co-op operating costs, and volunteering is currently optional.
Each time you visit the co-op cash register:
* If you are buying only dairy special-ordered from Sarasota, a $1.00 surcharge will be added to your order. (Or $0.50 if you are buying only a single half-gallon or a single cream.).
* If you buy anything else besides or in addition to Sarasota dairy, a $1.50 surcharge will be added to your order.
* If you contributed at least two volunteer hours in the previous three months, the surcharge will be waived.
Typical volunteer chores include things like sorting produce, slicing cheese, or bagging nuts and dried fruits. We also have a few opportunities for ongoing behind-the-scenes help — for example, helping to maintain the online ordering system or helping to keep the website up-to-date.
Volunteers are needed at the co-op on Thursdays, 9am – 6:30pm. If you have questions about how to use the online calendar to sign up for your volunteer hours, please contact freshfamilygoodsCalendar@gmail.com.
I’ve read through the Member Responsibilities and that all sounds good to me. How do I join?
Contact Marcie: freshfamilygoods@aol.com or 727-643-9916.
When can I shop?
Co-op hours are always posted on our Hours page and on our online calendar (accessible to members through their Google Calendar accounts).
Produce pick-up day is Thursday.
Regular dairy pick-up day is Thursday. Dairy can also be picked up on Wednesday by special arrangement. (The co-op will not be open.) To arrange to pick up special-order dairy on a Wednesday, email Marcie: freshfamilygoods@aol.com.
Pick-up times for other special-order items will be announced by on a case-by-case basis.
What should I bring with me when I come to shop?
Bags, cooler, ice, etc. Bring your iced cooler on dairy day. Dairy is very perishable in the Florida heat. We provide some boxes and bags.
Please also bring these items, which we can re-use:
* Egg cartons
* Glass jars
What do I do when I get to the co-op to shop?
Your first time in, we will give you a tour of our co-op. Gather your items in the baskets and carts provided, and bring them to the register to pay. Many times there will be someone available to help you load your items.
How to I order produce?
Members can order fresh produce online weekly. Approximate prices are posted every weekend, and orders are due by 10:30 on Tuesday. You must pick up your produce at the co-op on Thurs. between 9am and 6pm.
We also keep a small amount of produce on hand for Monday shoppers and for Thursday shoppers who did not pre-order. We can’t afford to keep large inventories of perishable items on hand, so the supply of produce on the “spillover table” will be small and somewhat unpredictable. Your best bet is to pre-order your produce if possible.
If you would like join the produce-buying group, please email Marcie: freshfamilygoods@aol.com.
How do I order fresh dairy?
We also use an online system for weekly special-order dairy from Sarasota. Ordering deadline is 6pm on Tuesdays. You must pick up your dairy at the co-op on Wed. (by special arrangement only) or on Thur. (during regular co-op hours).
Other dairy products are often available without special ordering. Just check our dairy/egg refrigerator to see what’s available.
Contact Marcie if you would like join the dairy-buyers group: freshfamilygoods@aol.com.
How do I order cheese?
We stock some cheese in the co-op, and you can buy this without special-ordering. We use an online ordering system for special-order cheese from Amish country.
Contact Marcie if you would like join the cheese-buyers group: freshfamilygoods@aol.com.
How do I order meats?
We stock some meat products in the co-op, and you can buy these without special-ordering. Limited weekly specials are also available, and Marcie will announce these via e-mail. Marcie will also occasionally solicit special orders. To get the best price on meats, ordering by the case or half case is your way. All case orders must be picked up on the scheduled delivery day. NO EXCEPTIONS!
If you would like join any of the meat-buying groups (beef, chicken, or frozen fish), contact Marcie: freshfamilygoods@aol.com.
How do I order dry goods?
We keep some standard staple items on our shelves (for example, olive oil, canned tomatoes, tinned fish), and you can purchase these without ordering. If you want something you don’t see in stock, please let Marcie know.
We regularly order dry goods from a number of suppliers. The frequency depends on demand: The greater the demand, the more frequently we order — and the better the prices we get. Please buy your dry goods through the co-op whenever possible.
Online browsing is available for United Natural Foods, our biggest supplier of dry goods. Contact Marcie for details.
