335 River St. (Rt. 106) Springfield, VT 802 885-3363 Sun 10-5, Mon-Fri 8-6, Thur 8-7, Sat 8-5 |
|
|
Grocery
Produce
Dairy
Frozen
Bakery
Body Care
Household
Bulk
Meals
Health
Benefits
Why Join
How to Join
Application
Board of Directors
Bylaws
Minutes and Agenda
Current Newsletter
Sign Up
Archives
Who Are We
Mission
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Workshop Registration
Sign up for Email List
Email Coop
Contact Information
Recipe of the Month
Recipe Archives
| Mission Statement The Springfield Food Co-op operates as a member owned store that provides healthy natural foods, emphasizing local and organic products in keeping with the International Cooperative Principles and values, and with our Purposes and Aims. Purposes and Aims The purposes for which the Cooperative is formed is to engage in any one or more lawful mode or modes of acquiring, producing, operating, furnishing, exchanging or distributing food products and other goods and services for the primary and mutual benefit of its members and patrons of the Cooperative. The specific aims of the Cooperative are as follows: to create a community-based member-owned not-for-profit consumer buying service; to make available wholesome natural foods and products as inexpensively as possible with consideration given to the political, social and ecological effects of products being marketed; to support and encourage local growing of fresh organic foods; to provide educational and informational materials concerning nutrition and agricultural practices with the aim of developing alternative patterns of production, consumption and use; to purchase and purvey, whenever feasible, the goods or services of local and regional growers and producers; and to serve as a center for activities and services in keeping with the above purposes and which otherwise enrich the life of the community. International Co-operative Principles Definition: A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Values: Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. Principles: The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. Principle #1: 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. Principle #2: Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner. Principle #3: Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. They usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Principle #4: Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy. Principle #5: Education, Training & Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public- Particularly young people and opinion leaders- about the nature and benefits of cooperation. Principle #6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures. Principle #7: Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members. |
|