Mission

Friendly City Food Co-op is an organic grocery store committed to being a locally owned cooperative that emphasizes healthy food, local products and sustainably produced goods in the Shenandoah Valley. It is our intent to create fair and friendly relationships, a vibrant local economy, healthy and informed consumers, and to be good stewards of the environment through conscientious and sustainable use of resources.

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THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES.

Co-ops are more than business as usual. Cooperative businesses are honest, open and fair, behave with integrity, and remain accountable for their actions.

• • Voluntary and Open Membership – Co-operatives 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 – Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.

  • Members’ Economic Participation – Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.

  • Autonomy and Independence – Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

  • Education, Training, and Information – Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives – Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

  • Concern for Community – Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.