Member-Owner 101
Mission Statement
The Kitsap Community Food Co-op connects our local community with quality food, products and access to information that promotes a healthy future for our families and our planet. Together we work toward a world where mutually beneficial relationships exist between producers and purchasers.
Vision Statement
Food - We sell the highest quality food at a fair market price.
Local - We provide local food and products.
Community - We are committed to building strong ties within our community.
Education - We educate ourselves and the public.
Welcoming - We provide a welcoming environment to everyone.
Ownership - Members are more than just customers – members are owners.
Volunteerism - We encourage members to help out and give back.
Dynamic - We listen to our community, and work to meet their needs.
Ecological - We commit to sustainable practices.
Core Principles
Communication - We are dedicated to mutual understanding.
Good Stewardship - We are grounded, visionary, and responsible in our decision-making.
Integrity - Our words and our actions are congruent.
Cooperation - We have the willingness to step up, and the wisdom to step back. We work together with patience and flexibility for a common purpose.
Professionalism - We are accountable for our actions and decisions. We work responsibly with appropriate transparency.
Optimism - We enjoy our work and hold a deep belief in the abilities of our collective power. We continue to look to new sources of inspiration. We see mistakes and conflict as opportunity to grow.
Commitment - We are the co-op and the co-op is us. It’s a priority – its where we give time, money, and resources.
Cooperative Values
Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and decision-making.
Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
Cooperation among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by cooperating with one another.
Concern for Community: While focusing on members’ needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
