What we eat, and where it comes from, says a lot about what we value.
Some people may prioritize speed or convenience, while others may focus on flavor or the freshness of the ingredients. Many, for sure, prioritize price (even more so after what’s become known as “eggflation”) and appreciate a good sale.
And many others — including more than 1.3 million members of food co-ops across the country — prioritize values such as community, self-sufficiency and equity, when they choose where to shop for produce.
If you share their mindset and are curious about your local food co-op, Billy Penn has a guide for you.
What exactly is a food co-op?
At its core, a food co-op is a grocery store formed by member-owners who are mostly — and sometimes exclusively — neighbors in the community where the co-op is located.
Some operate as nonprofit organizations, while others function as cooperative businesses. Some allow non-members to shop, whereas others are exclusive to members. Certain food co-ops are entirely run by the member-owners — meaning they handle everything from governance to cashier duties — while others employ external staff.
Food co-ops are part of a larger ecosystem of cooperatives with a long history worldwide. Philly food co-ops belong to their own network, the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance, and follow the International Co-op Principles.
1. Voluntary and open membership
2. Democratic member control
3. Member economic participation
4. Autonomy and independence
5. Education, training and information
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
7. Concern for community
Now that we know what they are, here’s how to join one.
Find and pick a co-op
Check if you have a local co-op or can easily commute to one. There are three food co-ops in Philly, and all of them allow anyone to join and become a member-owner. You don’t have to live in their neighborhoods.
South Philly Food Co-op
Hours: every day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 2031 S Juniper Street – South Philly
Mariposa Food Co-op
Hours: every day, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 4824 Baltimore Avenue – West Philly
Weavers Way Co-op has different locations in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill and Germantown, and different business hours. Learn more about them here.
Once you’ve located one near you, go to the store, walk the corridors, check out the produce!
Check costs
Once you settle on a nearby co-op, you’ll want to learn its membership costs. This is called an equity investment, and if you later choose to leave the co-op, it allows you to get back what you have invested. However, the co-ops retain the right to withhold refunds to protect their financial viability (Weavers Way Co-op is an exception).
Each co-op offers payment options, and all three in Philly offer alternatives if you cannot afford this cost.
South Philly Food Co-op
One-time equity investment: $300
This can be paid in full or in monthly installments ranging from 2 to 12 months.
If you can’t afford this, you can visit the store and apply to the co-op’s Community Equity Fund, which allows you to join with just $5 at registration and to choose a payment plan. The co-op subsidizes up to $275 of the $300 total investment. No income or employment documents are required for eligibility.
Mariposa Food Co-op
One-time equity investment: $200
You can pay this in full or choose one of the following payment plans until you reach the full amount:
- $25 every three months
- $50, $75 or more to start, and $25 (or more) every three months
If you can’t afford this, you can apply for the Food For All (FFA) program, which covers $100 of the equity investment. After their first year, recipients contribute $10 every three months until they reach $100 of personal equity.
FFA applicants must receive at least one of the following forms of assistance: SNAP/EBT card, WIC card, SSI/SSDI, TANF Cash Assistance or Medicaid.
If you don’t have these forms of eligibility but cannot afford a standard membership, you can email [email protected].
Weavers Way Co-op
Lifetime equity investment: $400
A minimum annual equity investment of $30 is required, but you can contribute more at any time until you reach the full amount.
If you or a household member receive SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Military Disability or General Assistance, you can join the co-op through the Food For All program. This reduces your equity investment to $5 a year and provides a 15% discount on most purchases.
If you don’t qualify for any of these programs but are facing financial hardship, you can contact the Membership Department at (215) 843-2350 ext. 119.
Understand your benefits
Beyond being part of a community and supporting the co-op’s mission, joining comes with additional benefits that can make the equity investment worthwhile. These are some examples commonly found in Philly food co-ops.
Ownership and governance
As a member, you become a co-owner of the store, giving you voting rights on key decisions, eligibility to run for governance positions, and the potential to receive patronage dividends — based on how much you spent at the store — if the co-op turns a profit over the course of the year.
Discounts and sale
Take advantage of savings on select products, special discount days and bulk purchasing discounts.
Working member benefits
While working hours are not required, members who contribute time can receive additional discounts. This opportunity allows members to save more while actively engaging with the co-op.
Apply in person or online
You are now ready to apply! Visit your co-op and register in person, or use any of the following links to register online and make your first equity payment:
Join South Philly Food Co-op
Join Mariposa Food Co-op
Join Weavers Way Co-op
And that’s it. Once you’re part of a co-op, you can shop regularly, consider staffing opportunities, pay your equity investment over time, vote for your representatives, run for a position, and enjoy being part of a values-driven community.
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