WHAT IS A CO-OP?
A co-op (cooperative) is an organization owned by the people who use it, and operated to meet the needs of those owners and the community. From the outside, a cooperative may look like a ‘traditional’ corporation or business, but co-ops’ inner workings are very different. Corporations focus on profit in order to satisfy shareholders and pay their executives (an ‘extractive’ model, removing money from the community) but cooperatives prioritize people over profit. Co-ops are democratically-organized, and owners get a vote and a voice on many aspects of the business. Important societal issues — like the growing wealth gap; wage stagnation; and corporate greed, just to name a few — can be addressed when regular people come together and build a solution that benefits their communities. That’s a co-op!
The cooperative Green Top Grocery was conceived of in December 2011 by local Bloomington-Normal residents who wanted to support local family farms and provide better access to healthy, locally-grown food. They rallied support from friends and neighbors who shared their vision, and who purchased ‘ownership shares’ in the cooperative. The equity from those share purchases — along with $1.4 million in personal loans from over 300 of our early owners — provided equity to build our own grocery store. Ownership of Green Top Grocery is open to anyone, and while there are special benefits and perks for being an owner, anyone can shop at the co-op regardless of whether or not they are an owner!
We operate under these guiding principles, known as our Ends:
Because Green Top Grocery exists…
The community is committed to cooperative values and directly supports the local economy with access to healthy food.
The community has information on how to make the best food choices and understands the impact of those decisions.
Farmers and producers benefit from a thriving local agricultural economy.
Employees benefit from our employment practices which are a model for good jobs everywhere.
Cooperative principles
Cooperatives around the world generally operate according to the same core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995.
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, and Information
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
Do I have to be an owner to shop at Green Top?
No! Anyone can shop! Owners do get other benefits, though. Take a look at the owners benefits page for more information!
Who owns Green Top Grocery?
More than 2,500 members of our local community! Anyone can purchase an ownership share. Including you!