What are the requirements for co-op membership?
- Pay membership fee of $15
- Shop at the co-op at least once a month
Why do I have to shop at the co-op at least once a month?
Many of our suppliers require that we consistently place a (large) minimum order. So if co-op members participate only sporadically, we don’t have the buying power required to access healthy food at good prices.
If you go four weeks or more without shopping at the co-op, you terminate your membership. You can rejoin by paying the $15 membership fee again.
Can I buy co-op goods for non-members?
Please do not purchase supplies for others who are not co-op members!
Our wonderful discounts are made possible only by our members’ long-term commitment and consistent contributions — and it’s not fair (and not possible) for our small core of working members to provide co-op benefits to the public at large.
Please do not unfairly burden our loyal members. If you have friends who would like access to co-op resources and benefits, please encourage them to join us.
What about volunteering?
This form of contribution is currently optional at FFG.
Opportunities are available for those who would like to pitch in and defray co-op operating costs (and their own food bills). Typical 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.
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.
Volunteers are needed at the co-op on Thursdays between 9am and 6:30pm. Please sign yourself up on the the FFG online calendar. If you have questions about how to do this, please contact freshfamilygoodsCalendar@gmail.com.
What if I order an item but then change my mind and don’t want it?
Please order thoughtfully. You must pay for all previous orders (even if you didn’t pick them up) before you are eligible to shop again at the co-op.
What’s the big deal about “pick-up days”?
The co-op doesn’t have room to store members’ orders, so everyone must pick up special-order items on the designated days (Thursdays for produce; as announced for other items). If you can’t personally pick up your items, please arrange for someone to handle your pick-up for you.
If you have additional questions about co-op members’ responsibilities, please feel free to contact us.
