1. Ownership
2. Organic Produce
3. Meat/Seafood
4. Deli/Bakery
5. Specialties
6. Health & Beauty Aids
7. Outreach
8. Grocery

Ownership

Q: What makes the Co-op different?

A: WE OWN IT! The Co-op is consumer owned and operated for the benefit of the community. The primary purpose of cooperatives is to serve the needs of the owners, not to generate a profit.

Q: Can I shop if I'm not an owner?

A: Yes. Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op. Becoming an owner is voluntary. However, you must be at least 16 years old to join.

Q: How does the Co-op help our community?

A: The Co-op invests in the people it serves. We actively build community through classes, special events, and service. Our Community Grant program donates money to non-profit organizations in our region. We also give out many small donations of gift certificates or food for fund-raising events, class trips, or other community activities. Getting involved with the Co-op is a great way to meet people and strengthen our local economy.

Q: Why the $100 investment?

A: Your $100 purchase of equity is a socially responsible financial investment. You become a co-owner of a business you know and trust. It's not a yearly fee. Your benefits take effect with your first $20 payment. Your equity is refundable if you cancel your membership, as soon as replacement equity is available.

Q: Are there payment options?

A: Yes! There are payment options for all budgets. You can purchase equity all at once, or individuals/families can buy equity in five easy payments of $20.

Q: Do I need to bring my membership card?

A: Yes. Present your card to the cashier. We'll need to swipe your card at the register every time you shop to accurately track your patronage refund and discounts.

Q: Can I use my friend's membership?

A: If you are not yet an owner/member, please don't use someone else's membership card. It's easy to join - just ask for a form at the Information Desk. You'll save money on your groceries and be part of something special.

Q: How do I make a suggestion or request?

A: Simply complete a suggestion or product request form available at The Co-op Information Desk.

Q: How do I give you a change of address?

A: If you move, please remember to notify us of your change of address so you will continue to receive our newsletter and other member mailings. Ask at the Information Desk for a change of address form.

Organic Produce

Meat/Seafood

Deli/Bakery

Q: Why are we denied recipes to the deli food? It seems as owners we should be entitled to our deli's recipes?

A: We had to make the decision to not give out recipes due to the sheer number of recipe requests that we receive each day. The batch sizes that we use for our production are huge and do not translate easily into small batches. Each recipe needs to be reduced and tested and tweaked before we can give them out to our owners and that is a very laborious process. I hope to someday have a cookbook published of our deli recipes, or get them online, but have not yet had the time to take on this massive project as of yet.

Q: Why do I have to pay for my deli food at the deli register, it is sometimes very long?

A: You don't! You can pay for your deli purchases at any register in the store.

Q: I hate having to pay for my juice bar items before I receive them. They sit on the counter while I am in line and lose their nutritional benefits. Can't you come up with a better system?

A: We require all juice bar items to be paid for before receiving your item to prevent customers from drinking their juice or coffee and not paying for it. Before we put this system into place we were finding our price stickers stuffed into little crannies all over the store, which alerted us to the possibility of these items not being run through the register. You can always request that our staff wait until you return with your receipt before starting your drink so that it doesn't sit on the counter waiting for you. Just ask! Also, we sell prepaid wheatgrass cards at the front info desk. These will save you time in line if you are a frequent wheatgrass customer.

Specialties

Q: What are sulfites?

A:Most wines contain sulfur, whether naturally occurring, or used as an additive to preserve freshness, and to inhibit actions of microbes, or yeast in the bottle. Sulfites have been used since the earliest days of wine making, and have been found in ancient storage jugs. Organic Wine, and Biodynamic Wine both contain sulfites, UNLESS, it states clearly on the label “no detectable sulfites”.

Q: Why does the cheese I am used to buying taste different?

A:Most of the cheeses we offer come from small dairies, and are subject to change due to what the cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo are eating. In the spring they have frech pasture to graze on, but in the winter meals are supplemented with feed. All this makes a difference in color and flavor.

Q: Can I special order cheese?

A:Most products in the cheese case are available for special orders.

Health & Beauty Aids

Q: What’s the best form of calcium?

A: Look for "calcium citrate" which is easier for your body to absorb. Vitamin D and magnesium help too.

Q: What’s your best sunscreen?

A: Look for natural mineral sunscreen such as titanium dioxide or zinc. These ingredients form a barrier on your skin which protects from damaging rays. Dr. Hauschka sunscreens are excellent.

Q: What’s the difference between the different types of Vitamin D?

A: Vitamin D 3 is the preferred form. However it’s not suitable for vegetarians. Vegetarians should take D 2.

Q: Where are the herbs?

A: On Aisle 4 across from the body care.

Q: Who makes the Co-op brand supplements?

A: A family owned business in California which has been manufacturing vitamins and minerals for 75 years. We have visited their plant and determined that they have the highest possible standards and practices. We are very proud of our private label supplements.

Q: Do you carry molecularly distilled fish oil?

A: All our fish oil is molecularly distilled and guaranteed free of heavy metals and other contaminants.

Outreach

Grocery

Q: Do you carry raw milk?

A: The state of Oregon forbids the sale of raw milk products.

Q: Where are the sesame seeds located?

A: They are located in a scoop bin close to the bulk liquids in the bulk department.

Q: Will you bring in my favorite new product?

A: We bring in new products on a regular basis. However, we are limited in size and many times we need to discontinue a product in order to bring in another one. We appreciate your patience and understanding and hope to be able to get that new product on the shelf. You are also welcome to special order a case of it in the meantime.