A one-time, lifetime household investment is $150. Your share makes you a co-owner of the co-op along with other member-owners. There is no annual fee.

There are numerous benefits of being a member-owner of The Village Co-op Market of Williamsville.  They include:

• Member-owners can vote on co-op issues so you get a say in how the co-works and where it spends its money.  You can vote for our Board of Directors who guide the future of the co-op, or run for a seat on the Board yourself.

• When the co-op turns a profit, member-owners may be eligible for a patronage refund in proportion to their purchases.  Even if you only shop at the co-op once a month, the benefits are likely to exceed your investment.

• You'll have an opportunity to be an integral part of a vibrant community resource.  There's also a host of other member-owner benefits.

• In addition, your investment supports:

  • Family farms​

  • Nutrition education

  • Regional artisan foods

  • Environmental stewardship

  • Organic farming

  • Fair trade

  • Sustainable agriculture

No.  There is no requirement to work at the co-op.  The co-op will hire and pay employees to work at the co-op.

No way!  Anyone can join, everyone can shop!  You must be 18 years old and live in the state of New York.  In fact, we encourage anyone from surrounding towns to become member-owners.

Co-ops are community owned.  When you shop at a co-op, your money makes a bigger impact in your  community than a typical grocery store.  Your food dollars work to support a thriving economy, local farmers, and a healthy environment.

Member-owner equity investments fulfill the capital needs of the business.

We want the co-op up and running as quickly as you do!  However, it takes capital and time, approximately 3 years or more (click here to see a timeline for our co-op).  That’s why your investment is so important – it will help us fulfill the capital needs necessary to start the process and do it right.  Also, becoming a volunteer will move us along even quicker.  Click here to watch a 5 minute video that explains why opening a co-op is a long process.

Due to federal and state tax laws, membership in the co-op is limited to NYS residents only. If a member were to relocate outside of the state, their membership would move into an inactive status, which means they would no longer share in the membership benefits. The membership would be reinstated should you return to NYS! As a reminder, anyone can shop at a Co-Op. You don't have to be a member. But membership does come with benefits! 

A lot, that’s why every single member-owner is important.  Along with loans, fundraising and possible grants, we will get there.  Encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to become member-owners.

Volunteering for our food co-op is a vital part of our success and we need you! We’ll need people with various talents, skills and passion.   Come be part of the next big thing to hit Williamsville. It’s easy, just fill out the form here.