Dill Pickle Co-op
Member3039 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60647
http://www.dillpicklefoodcoop.org
What is the Dill Pickle Food Co-op?
The Dill Pickle is a cooperatively owned and governed neighborhood grocery store that aims to provide sustainable, local, and organic goods at an affordable price in Chicago’ Logan Square neighborhood.
What is a cooperative grocery store?
A co-op is an independent, democratic organization that is owned, operated, and financed by its members. The start-up costs and operating expenses are generated from our membership equity, in addition to member loans and bank loans.
Why do we need a co-op when major grocery chains carry organic products?
Grocery stores are a high-value asset to the communities in which they reside. The best way for a community to value and preserve their local grocery market is to own a share in it with their neighbors. Ownership in a grocery co-op offers the chance for the consumer to have a hand on the plow, so to speak. The Dill Pickle Food Co-op carries high-quality, affordable foods because its members are committed to offering them to our community. In addition, being a locally owned and managed store means the co-op attempts to support other locally owned producers in Chicagoland and the Midwestern region.
Why should I become a member?
Each member-owner has their personal reasons for becoming part of the Dill Pickle. Below are great reasons.
* As a member, you are actually an owner of the Co-op. You will be taking a direct action to bring local, organic, and natural foods to your community and your family.
* The Dill Pickle is a democratic organization in which each member has equal ownership. As a member-owner, you can run and vote for the Board of Directors and make proposals for the rest of the membership to vote on.
* You will also be supporting locally-owned business and creating a better community not only for your neighbors but also for the farmers and producers we support.
* You vote your values with your dollars every day. Ask yourself how important it is to you to have access to sustainable, local, organic foods.
* The Dill Pickle is a great way to meet friends and neighbors and develop a sense of place in your community.
* You can walk or bike to a grocery store! You and your family don’ have to deal with the congestion of a mega-parking lot as you try to get there.
* Lower your ecological footprint! The average food item in Illinois travels 1500 miles before it even reaches the store; being a part of the Dill Pickle means your purchases will not only be supporting the regional economy but also reducing the amount of resources it takes to produce and transport the food you consume.
* Healthy, local, organic foods taste better.
* There are financial benefits for members. We are in the process of researching and developing a member discount program and member-owner volunteer program where member-owners can receive a discount for a volunteer shift at the store.
* Also member-owners will be eligible to receive a patronage rebate. Each year that the co-op turns a profit that doesn't have to go back into the storefront, the money will be distributed amongst the membership. How much each member-owner shopped at the co-op over the course of that year will determine the percentage of the profit he or she is eligible to receive - in other words, member-owners who shop a lot at the co-op will receive a larger percentage of any profit that the co-op makes in a given year than member-owners who shop there infrequently. We anticipate that as the store becomes more profitable, the financial incentives for members will increase as well.
Who can become a member?
Membership is open to adults (18 or older) and households, and all members have a direct and equal say in Co-op affairs. Members have the opportunity to run and vote for the Board of Directors, make proposals for the membership to vote on, receive discounts at the register (including an optional volunteer member discount), and receive a patronage rebate at the end of each year that the Co-op makes a profit.
Do I have to be a member-owner to shop at the Co-op?
No, the Dill Pickle will be open to everybody, but we believe that the benefits of becoming a member-owner make it worthwhile if you plan to shop at the co-op.
How much does a membership cost?
A fully-vested membership is $250 and can be paid at once or over 5 years with minimum annual payments of $50. Members wishing to terminate their membership for whatever reason can redeem their shares in full at any time when funds are available. Low income options are also available.
