Become a Shareholder Online |

Why become a Shareholder?

The Brattleboro Food Co-op welcomes everyone in the community to shop. You do not have to be a shareholder to benefit from the products, classes, and events offered. However, the Co-op strongly relies on shareholder investments to provide the financial foundation needed for the store to grow and thrive.

The Co-op is thrilled that you are a shopper committed to buying organic and whole foods and supporting local industry and family farms. You are here because you believe in cooperative ownership, and we encourage you to invest in the longevity of the Co-op.

You will reap many benefits as a shareholder, including voting power to direct future business decisions. You will be supporting local farms, businesses, families, non-profit organizations, and even the planet through the sustainable practices of the Co-op. You will be invited to connect with others in the community through Co-op events and classes and shareholder volunteer opportunities made available for social and community engagement.

You will have the exclusive right to cast a vote for Board of Directors members, attend the Annual Shareholders Meeting, vote on bylaw changes, and you may also run for the Board yourself.

Through volunteer involvement, you may earn shareholder discounts in-store, be offered special shareholder offers such as shareholder-specific sales and promotions, and even receive patronage dividends based on your spending on years dividends are awarded.

How do I become a Shareholder?

Click here to purchase your share online, or stop by the Co-op’s Customer Service Counter for more information or to purchase your share in-store. You can call Shareholder Services at 802-257-0236 or send an email to Shareholders@BFC.coop also.

Register Online

Equity

Your lifetime investment of a single share* is $80 promotes the growth and sustainability of the store. Your investment dollars will stay in the community. The share cost can be paid in full at the time of joining, or it can be broken up into smaller payments over a few years. The $80 cost is a one-time purchase of a single share. Any one person may only purchase a single share.

If the $80 output creates a financial burden on your household, you may qualify for a BFC Shareholder Assistance Grant. Contact Shareholder Services for more information on grants.

* Single Share Definition and Benefits: A one-time investment of $80 can be paid over time; Your single share gives you the right to cast a single vote in all elections. For the purpose of logging purchases toward dividend accruals and receiving applicable discounts associated with the share account, your Shareholder ID number may be used by yourself and any dependent children in your household under the age of 18. You may also designate two Authorized Users who are over 18 and live in your household.

Cooperative Principle Number 1: 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.

– Source: International Cooperative Alliance

Shareholder News and Information

Read some FAQs about shareholder volunteering, including what to expect when working in-store.

Shareholder Discounts

BASIC SHAREHOLDER – A Shareholder under 65 years of age may opt to volunteer two hours per month in the Co-op, join a TeamWork Opportunity event, or with our Commitment 2 Community program and obtain a 5% discount on all purchases at the Co-op.

ELDER SHAREHOLDER – A Shareholder 65 years or older will automatically receive a 5% discount on all purchases at the Co-op with no volunteer commitment. If an Elder Shareholder chooses to do volunteer hours, those hours can be donated to benefit other shareholders who cannot do so themselves.
—Basic Shareholders must make Shareholder Services aware of reaching 65 to change their shareholder status to Elder.

FOOD FOR ALL SHAREHOLDER – A Food For All Shareholder automatically will receive a 5% discount on all purchases at the Co-op with no volunteer commitment. If an FFA Shareholder chooses to do volunteer hours, those hours can be donated to benefit other shareholders who cannot do so themselves.