Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is a food co-op? How is it different than a regular grocery store?
Simply put, a food co-op is an independent grocery store collectively owned by community members. There is no one person or investor who owns the co-op. Your membership fee isn’t going to an individual, but to YOUR STORE. Everyone is welcome to shop, eat and hang out at a food co-op, and everyone is welcome to join by becoming a member-owner. Member-owners then get financial benefits such as discounts and member-deals, as well as a vote to choose the board of directors and impact the co-op’s future direction.
Why is the membership only $150 one time? Don’t you need more money to start the co-op?
The Dakota Community Market Development Board voted to set our membership cost at $150 after reviewing co-op membership fees in comparable communities and the median household and per capita income for Brookings County. We believe this level can be considered an investment in the food co-op but not a barrier for involvement and access. Dakota Community Market is for everyone, and by setting our membership cost and payment plans at a level that will be easy for some, manageable for many, and accessible for hopefully all, we are prioritizing the community in Dakota Community Market.
We will indeed need more money to open Dakota Community Market. The Food Co-op Initiative, an organization that supports the development of food co-ops around the country, estimates it costs $350-$375/sq ft. to open a food co-op. For a 4,000 sq ft. store that comes out to $1.4 million! But memberships are only one way co-ops raise funds to open, and the number of invested member-owners helps us advance to the next stages of development and become eligible to apply for business loans specifically for co-ops. We also plan to hold a capital campaign closer to opening, which will allow the community another opportunity to support us through member loans.
Why should I become a member now instead of waiting for the store to open?
Becoming a member now helps us advance to the next stages of development, including electing a board of directors, running a capital campaign, applying for co-op business loans, selecting a location, hiring a general manager, and ultimately opening. You can wait, but it would help make Dakota Community Market a reality if you supported early!
Speaking of the store opening, when will that happen? Where will it be located?
It can take 3 to 5 years to open a food co-op. The best ways to support us opening in a timely fashion are:
promote the co-op to your friends, family, and neighbors,
participate in our capital campaign when it begins,
and then continue to support us by shopping when we open our doors!
We don’t have a location identified yet, but we are always seeking input from community members, as well as the market studies we will commission. The ultimate decision on where to locate Dakota Community Market will be made by the elected board of directors.
I can’t afford a membership right now, but I want to help. How can I get involved?
We always need volunteers to help our development board table events, promote membership, and spread the word about Dakota Community Market. Reach out to us through our Contact Form to let us know you’d like to volunteer. Also, be sure to check out our 6-month, and 1-year payment plan options for memberships! Dakota Community Market is for everyone, and we try to make accommodations for membership payments however we can.
Do I have to be a member to shop at Dakota Community Market when you open?
No! Everyone is welcome to shop at Dakota Community Market, but being a member-owner comes with some additional benefits. You will be able to vote on certain operational decisions, run for and elect board leadership, receive special promotions and discounts, and in profitable years may vote to receive dividends or reinvest in the store.
Is it true that food co-ops are expensive and only sell organic and vegetarian food?
No.
But it is true that a dozen eggs from locally raised, free-range chickens will cost more than those from an out-of-state CAFO facility. We like to consider the impact that extra money has on our minds (delicious eggs), bodies (more nutritious food), and local economy (putting money in your local farmer’s pocket). Our goal is to open a grocery store that prioritizes local products to keep our food system close and our neighbors in business, which further strengthens our local economy.
We also want to source high-quality, sustainable products from national and international producers and suppliers. We don’t want to charge any more for these products than we need to in order to run a fair business. Not everything in our store will be organic, though we will offer many organic options. We plan to sell meat, dairy, eggs, vegetables, grains, and items to support different kinds of diets, such as plant-based and allergy/sensitivity.
Will you have bulk bins?
We plan to! Bulk bins are a standby of food co-ops, and we often hear from supporters of Dakota Community Market that our future customers want this option in the store.
Will your store accept SNAP-EBT and WIC?
Dakota Community Market plans to apply to be a SNAP and WIC Retail Food Store through the USDA and the state of South Dakota. We believe accepting these forms of payment is a vital part of serving the Brookings area.
Don’t see your question here?
Reach out to us through our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you soon with an answer.