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Co-op Membership

How to join, member benefits, and What Do You Support by Being a Co-op Member?

How to join

Co-op members invest in their business by purchasing Membership Shares. All Co-op members are required to purchase ten shares of Co-op stock at $5.00 each. No annual fee is required. This transaction can be arranged at the Information Desk in either Co-op Food Store. Members who purchase membership shares upon joining the Co-op will receive a stock certificate at that time. Those joining the Co-op through the Patronage Refund Deduction plan will receive a share statement with their patronage refund check. The Co-op does not pay dividends on membership shares. About home => Co-op Membership

Member Benefits

Since its founding, the Co-op has relied on the vision, involvement, and support of its members for its success. Participation is both a right and a responsibility of Co-op membership. Our members’ involvement ensures that the Co-op remains a strong, responsive, consumer-run organization. In return, members receive the following benefits: Discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance written by Hanover Insurance Company or Cooperative Fire Insurance Association of Vermont. Any licensed agent of these companies can provide details about these plans. Members must own a minimum of three shares of Co-op stock in order to be eligible for this discount. Discounts on Co-op Services including infant car seat rentals, cooking classes, and other Co-op sponsored activities. Discounts on Consumer Reports magazine when you subscribe through the Co-op. Extended Check-Cashing Privileges, including paychecks, two-party checks, and up to $100 over the cost of goods purchased. Members-Only Personal Charge Account with monthly billing. Savings on Vegetable, Herb, and Flower Seeds, and garden accessories when you order through our annual Fedco Seeds order. Rental of a Community Garden Plot for your own garden on the Co-op’s land in Norwich. Free Mailing of the Co-op News. The Co-op’s monthly newsletter will keep you informed of important issues facing the Co-op, lists special events and activities, and features articles on food, nutrition, and environmental concerns. Home Delivery Service for Housebound Members unable to come to the stores. Orders are taken on Mondays and Tuesdays for delivery on Thursdays. Free Notary Public Service for New Hampshire Members. Please call the Co-op office in advance to be sure a notary will be available when you arrive. Use of the Co-op Lending Library. Our lending library on the second floor of the Hanover Co-op Food Store includes books and videos on cooking, nutrition, gardening, environmental concerns, and cooperatives. Co-op members may sign out materials for two weeks. Opportunity to Voice Their Opinions through the Suggestion Box, attendance at Board meetings, voting for Board of Directors, and voting on major issues affecting the organization. Participation in the Co-op’s Charitable Giving by supporting the Hanover Cooperative Community Fund. Volunteer Opportunities such as raising food for local shelters, Country Harvest food distribution, ballot clerking during elections, and participating in community events. Refund on Patronage when fiscally responsible. The Board of Directors determines the percent return on dollars spent at the Co-op based on net savings at the end of the year. About home => Co-op Membership

What Do You Support by Being a Co-op Member?

Socially responsible local ownership   Keeping money in the local economy   Treating employees with respect   Accountability to those it serves   Involvement in the community for 65 years   Contributing to local non-profits and charitable organizations   Providing food for local shelters and food banks A stable market for local farmers and producers   Increasing local food security in the area   Promoting sustainable agriculture   Preserving the rural landscape and heritage   Providing high-quality produce with less post-harvest treatment or nutrition loss A higher standard of doing business   No marketing to children (e.g. candy at the checkouts or sugared cereals at eye-level)   No slotting fees (which allow distributors to determine what goes where and excludes small producers)   Honest, trustworthy information about products A commitment to quality products and honest value   Buying for our members, not selling goods   Fair pricing reflecting our not-for-profit status   Strong commitment to food safety and the welfare of our customers Reliable consumer information   Up to date   Thorough and well-researched   Unbiased   Responsive to member concerns   A resource to the community Outstanding customer service   Long-term employees dedicated to cooperative ideals   Courteous and knowledgeable staff   Responsiveness to member requests   In-the-aisles help, available and easy to find Fun community-oriented events   Dairy Day   Harvest Festival   Ice Cream Social   Oktoberfest   Corn Roast About home => Co-op Membership