MISSION STATEMENT:
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op offers healthy food choices
and the benefits of cooperative practice to build a
vibrant local community and more sustainable world. We
meet community needs and strengthen area diversity
through products, services, and education.
WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE GROCERY STORE?
A coop is owned, operated, and financed by its members.
The startup costs and operating expenses will be generated
from our membership base and matching grants from
groups such the Food Co-op 500 Program. Our goal is to
open a neighborhood grocery store that will serve member
needs and be responsive to community concerns.
WHY DO WE NEED A CO-OP WHEN MAJOR GROCERY
STORE CHAINS CARRY ORGANIC PRODUCTS?
Nationwide chains carry organic products because they find
them to be profitable, not because the stores have a
commitment to the benefits behind organic products. If
organic and natural foods products are not profitable, these
stores will cease to carry them. The Dill Pickle Co-op will
carry organic foods because its members are committed to
offering them to our community. In addition, being a locally
owned and managed store allows us to stock products
made/grown by Chicago and Illinois entrepreneurs! We will
be a site for produce from suppliers like Angelic Organics,
Timber Creek, Kings Hill, Ms Organic, and Sandhill
Organics. No major chain can offer CSA produce.
WHEN WILL THE STORE OPEN? WHERE WILL IT BE LOCATED?
Our goal is to open the store by Spring 2009, and we need you to help us achieve that goal! The time of the store's opening will be determined by how quickly the co-op is able to raise capital through fund-raisers, grants, bank loans member loans, and, most importantly, memberships (see the next paragraph). The store will be located at 3039 W Fullerton, just a short walk away from the California Blue Line stop.
MEMBERSHIP
Show your commitment to this project! Our membership
drive is officially underway. Why should you become a
member? Without your support we cannot get this
project off the ground. We are in the process of applying
for bank loans and we need to show that we have a
committed membership base. Our goal is to recruit 500 new members (in addition to the 240 or so that have signed up so far) and we are counting on
you to help us reach that goal.
As a member, you are actually an owner of the Co-op! Membership is open to anyone, and all members will have
an equal say in the Co-op's affairs. A member receives a membership card and a regular newsletter, and has the opportunity (but is not required) to run and vote for the Board of Directors, work a few hours each week for the co-op in exchange for a register discount on all items , and receive a patronage rebate at the end of each year that the co-op turns a profit.
A membership share costs $250 and can be paid over 5 years with annual payments of $50. Low income options are also available.
Membership purchases can be made:
-- at our meetings/events
-- by sending a check or money order of
$50 (made out to Dill Pickle Food Co-op) to PO Box
220276, Chicago, IL 60622
-- via PayPal with a major credit card (go to our website at www.dillpicklefoodcoop.org )
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE STORE GET STARTED?
In addition to becoming a member, if you would like
to help out we need volunteers to help us write grant
applications, plan fund-raisers, research suitable
locations, and recruit other members in the community. Please get in touch!
