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What is the purpose of the Co-op? Can't you get the same items in a Natural Foods store?
The purpose of the Co-op is to allow people to obtain high quality natural
and whole foods, vitamins, and household products at wholesale prices. You can get most, but not all, of our products at a Natural Foods store but the prices are much higher to the point of being prohibitive.
Why are Co-op prices so inexpensive?
The reason our products are inexpensive is that the primary purpose of the Co-op is to allow members to purchase at costs as close to wholesale as
possible. Our primary goal is to try to provide quality products at low prices. Since we are all equally members, any savings that we can provide are also passed on to all members.
What types of items can I purchase from WCI?
If you look through the United Natural Foods Catalog, you will see that we have available from United Natural Foods broad categories of Refrigerated Goods, Frozen Foods, Dry Goods, and General Merchandise. We carry Butters and Margarine, Cheeses, Juice, Yogurt, Soy Foods, Baked Goods, Pastas, Vegetables, Asian and International Foods, Coffees, Teas, Spices, Candy, Sodas, Dried Fruits, Flour, Grains, Milk, Nuts, Nut Butters, Chips, Salad Dressings, Soups, Sweeteners and Syrups, Household Cleaning Supplies, Health and Beauty Aids, and Nutritional, Homeopathic and Herbal Supplements. These are all high quality nationally known name brands. It's like bringing a giant natural food store into your home.
How is the Co-op organized?
The Co-op operates under a Constitution and By-Laws. Members volunteer to serve one year terms that run from July 1 to June 30th. All
members have the opportunity to serve on the Board if they wish to do so. The Board of Directors meets at least four times a year to conduct Co-op business.
Do I have to work to belong to the Co-op?
It is not required that you become a working member. Non-workers, however, have a 10% mark up compared to a 1% mark-up. Still, a 10% markup from wholesale
cost is much lower than in a commercial natural foods store.
Do I have to attend all Co-op meetings?
It is not necessary to attend all Co-op meetings. You can place you order on Pre-order Sheets and send via email or snail mail to the appropriate person
who will enter in your order. It is helpful to attend Pre-Order Meetings since this is where incomplete orders are auctioned so that full cases can be made.
Do I have to order full cases?
No. You can order any part of a case amount. The Pre-Order Meeting or combining your request with others often produces full cases. The benefit of
ordering full cases does guarantee that it make. The downside of ordering full cases is that you may end up with too much of a surplus of an item or you might not help others to get part of a case.
Do I have to order every month?
No. You need to order
only when you want to. There is no requirement that you order every month.
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