Frequently Asked Questions

Farm to City Harvest Store is a cooperative corporation, meaning the co-op is owned and controlled by co-op owners. Farm to City Harvest Store intends to feature locally sourced food and goods, facilitating connections between producers and their neighbors while strengthening our rural community and economy. Once the store is open, anyone can shop at Farm to City Harvest Store with owners receiving special benefits. 

Farm to City is community-owned, meaning that members of our community have the option to purchase stock ($100 one-time purchase) to become a co-op owner. Be the change you want to see by becoming a co-op owner today. Owners will have a direct influence on the types of products carried, emphasizing health, sustainability, and community values.  

 A co-op store is voluntarily owned and operated by the people who use it. Ownership shares ($100 one-time purchase) are available to community members. Co-op owners will help determine owner benefits, elect a Board of Directors, and weigh in on products offered. Owners have a say in business decisions through voting in board elections; and have the option to run for or make nominations for the board of directors. 

Co-ops exist to serve the community and its owners, not to make a profit. They partner with small, local providers which larger conventional stores fail to do. Food co-ops focus on providing the community with quality, locally produced groceries, and other goods to meet the food needs of its members. 

While some organic or other specialty foods can be more expensive, co-ops strive to build community and support the local economy and may not always be the lower cost when compared to low-cost chain stores. However, chain stores often care more about corporate policies and profits than local communities. 

 Farm to City will be located at 111 South Main, Farmer City. 

Co-ops are opened and run by communities, not corporate entities. Therefore, it often takes longer than expected to open a co-op. In short, co-ops must first grow/organize (file incorporation paperwork, create bylaws, elect a board, form committees, etc.), then fund (sell ownership shares & raise capital), and finally build (complete construction, hire staff, stock shelves). The co-op will open sooner when more community members get involved. Sign up to volunteer by following this link. 

Typically, co-ops stock local, natural, organic, and bulk foods and also offer natural hygiene and home products like soap and shampoo. Farm to City is open to selling products that owners want and will purchase. Our business model is not dictated by a big corporation only focused on profit. 

We intend to source as many products locally and seasonally as possible yet still offer a nice selection of food options. Products, farmers, and distributors will be chosen to meet the requirements of the owners. The owners will help determine the products sold via feedback to store personnel and sales metrics. 

Everyone is welcome to shop at the co-op. Owners may receive additional benefits of patronage dividends and/or in-store discounts that will be determined by our general manager. 

Perks, special offers and discounts may be established by the general manager and owner elected Board of Directors with the input of owners. Nearby co-ops offer owner discount days and special owner-only pricing on promotional products and we seek to mirror those offerings. We may consider special owner-only events or other special benefits for co-op owners.  

Food co-ops operate as regular businesses with paid employees. However, there are opportunities prior to the store opening to volunteer with various tasks. You may sign up to volunteer by following this link. 

Owning stock in any business has a cost. Ownership purchases are used as start-up funds and later to fund store operations and improvements. 

Ownership is a one-time purchase, making you an owner for life. There are no yearly dues or fees.  

Becoming a founding owner and making a tangible investment means you are helping to bring this valuable and much-needed asset to our community. Founding owners will help set the direction for Farm to City well into the future by helping to shape our values, goals, owner benefits, products and services offered. 

Ownership is open to any individual (over 18), household, or organization whose purpose is to make purchases from the co-op for their own use and is willing to accept the responsibilities (listed in membership by-laws) of ownership. Joint ownership is available to two individuals living in the same household. 

Common shares can be purchased for a one-time payment of $100. By purchasing a common share, you are entitled to owner benefits while shopping at Farm to City. 

Preferred shares are $500 each (available soon!) and will fund start-up expenses. 

Pursuant to the Illinois Co-operative Act, member-owners (or each joint household member-owner) is limited to holding no more than ten (10) shares of total stock, of either common stock, preferred stock, or a combination of the two, at any time.