Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a member to shop at the Co-op?
No, everyone is welcome, but non-members are charged a 6.5 percent surcharge at the check stand. Please click here for information on the benefits for members and the cost of member shares.

Does the Co-op offer discounts on memberships for students?
No, the Co-op offers two kinds of membership. One is a fully refundable shareholder membership for $90, and a no-fee senior membership for shoppers 62 and older. The minimum share payment per month is $3 to receive member prices, which is affordable for almost everyone.

Does the Co-op assist in helping people pay for their membership?
Yes, the Co-op has a program called the Seed Fund that members donate to help people get their membership started with their first three months of share payments. If a membership started with help from the Seed Fund is closed, the payments made by the Co-op are rolled back into the Seed Fund and used for the next person who needs them! Contact Jean Rogers for more information.

Do you accept other food co-ops’ cards?
Yes, we do. A member of any food co-op who shows their card at the register will avoid the non-member surcharge.

Is all your food organic?
No, but we have a vast selection of organic products.

Do you carry gluten-free, wheat-free, diabetic, etc. products?
Yes, we have alternatives to many familiar foods for people on specialty diets, people with food allergies, and people who need to change their diet for medical reasons.

Does the Co-op offer case discounts on products off the shelf?
No, but if you are a member of the Co-op, you can pre-order items by the case for a discount off the shelf price.

Does the Co-op accept food stamps?
Yes, we do.

Can I use the Connection Building for my group?
Yes, if you are a member of our Co-op, you can arrange with our Education and Outreach Facilitator, Kevin Murphy to reserve the building. The building cannot be used for commercial uses to promote or sell a service or product, or for the support of political candidates.

Can I return something without a receipt?
It depends on the product and the nature of the return. We require receipts for returns on all mercantile (must be returned within one month of purchase) and supplement items.

How much does it cost to advertise in the Co-op Connection newsletter?
Members may place an ad in our monthly newsletter that reaches over 10,000 people in our community. Only one ad per member, per issue is allowed. Classified ads are twenty cents a word, up to one hundred words; service listings are $10; and display ads are $30 to $90 depending on the size of the ad. Use our Ad Planning Sheet to plan your ad.

How long do your sales last?
It varies by department. Dry grocery items are on sale from the first to the last of the month. Bulk, produce, and meat department sales generally last until the 15th of the month. Wellness and Produce offer weekly in-store specials. See our sales information for details.

Where’s a good place to eat downtown?
Our all-time favorite: The Swan Café at the Co-op
Vegetarian/Vegan: Old Town Café, Casa Que Pasa, Rudy’s Pizzeria
Thai: On Rice, House of Orient
Breakfast: Old Town Café, Diamond Jim’s, Little Cheerful Café
Lunch: The Bagelry, Avenue Bread and Deli, La Vie en Rose
Fun Dining: Boundary Bay, La Fiamma Pizza, Pepper Sisters
Fine Dining: Nimbus, Pacific Café, Wild Garlic

Call our service desk at 734-8158 if you have other questions.