FAQS

What is a Co-op?

As defined by the International Co-Op Alliance, cooperatives are “enterprises owned and run by and for their members. (They) bring people together in a democratic and equal way with a ‘one member, one vote’ rule. The economic and social benefits of their activity stay in the communities where they are established.” Unlike a business owned by an individual or corporation, profits from the store are used to help us better serve our community’s needs.

Do I have to be a member to shop at the co-op?

No, KCFC is open to everyone.

What is a member-owner?

You’re more than a just a member. When you make your first equity payment, you are literally buying a share of KCFC. Owners receive financial rewards such as our Shop Local discounts, and can even earn a share of their co-op’s profits through patronage dividends. Owners get to elect their co-op’s board of directors, attend co-op meetings, and have an equal voice in ballot initiatives.

How do I sign up?

Stop by the store and fill out a short application. You will be asked if you’d like to pay $25 up front and every other month until you reach $300 (two years,) or you can pay the $300 all at once. Once you hit $300, you’re a lifetime owner of the co-op.

Is $25 not feasible with your financial situation? KCFC is proud to offer a Flexible Membership Program for our lower-income friends.

What are the benefits to being a member-owner?

  • KCFC offers Member Appreciation Weeks presenting 10% off the entire week. Plus, we offer over 50 Member Specials a month which includes discounts across the store.
  • Utilize your Co-op Ca$h account that acts as a debit account for your household. Member-owners can deposit cash or checks to use as payment for future visits to save time at checkout.
  • Buy more and save: Members get 5% off on all full case pre-orders.
  • Get Involved! Member-Owners have the opportunity to elect and serve on the KCFC Board, or start a committee.
  • Receive exclusive discounts from over 50+ local businesses through our Shop Local Program.
  • Support a democratically run, not-for-profit business that contributes to your community and holds your values. We reinvest in our neighborhood, practice environmental sustainability, endorse a living wage and fair trade practices, promote empowering food choices in an urban food desert, and support local farmers and small business first.

Is there a requirement that member-owners work in the store?

There is no work requirement to be a member/owner at KCFC. 

Who runs KCFC?

KCFC is member-owned and operated through member-owners’ election of a Board of Directors. The Board sets the direction for the General Manager to successfully achieve the goals of our Co-op.  The GM then implements and oversees the day-to-day activities of KCFC in areas such as purchasing, operations, marketing, and hiring. Over the past several years, dozens of volunteers have spent thousands of hours preparing to open the Co-op by serving on KCFC committees, on the KCFC Board of Directors, and assisting with special projects and events. 

What does KCFC offer?

Come check us out! Walk into KCFC and you have two options. To your left is our Bottle Shop where you can grab a bottle of wine to-go or enjoy a beer on our patio. Our rotating alcohol selection is specifically and thoughtfully chosen by our Operations Manager.

To your right is the grocery side of things. We offer fresh local produce, a local bakery area, high-quality meat & seafood, a refrigerated section, frozen foods, a large bulk dry goods department, and a wellness section.

Can my group meet in the café?

Yes! We would love to host your party, event, or meeting in our bottle shop/patio area. If you interested in booking, please contact our Marketing Coordinator, Ela, for more information at [email protected] about two weeks in advance.

To meet in our Bottle Shope, you must be over the age of 21 or with someone over the age of 21 to enjoy our seating area.

What will KCFC do to help and be part of the community?

Along with providing access to healthy food, KCFC is committed to hiring locally, purchasing locally, being a neighborhood job creator, and providing a communal space. 

How can I stay up to date with KCFC?

To stay up to date on upcoming events and new products, follow us on Instagram at @kcfcoop and Facebook. You can check on upcoming events and programs through our calendar listed under the ‘Your Community’ tab. We also send out a newsletter regularly.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend events and our Membership Meetings that occur twice annually.

Why should I shop at a co-op?

Shopping at a co-op is an act of community engagement. Because co-ops are democratically controlled not-for-profits, shopping here means supporting the ideals of the community. Plus, Co-ops are the best place to find local produce and local products! KCFC is proud to carry over 500 local items produced within a 100 mile radius of Philadelphia.

Why is your food more expensive?

Some organic or other specialty foods can be inherently more expensive, but many of our products are comparably priced! Co-ops prioritize environmental sustainability, locally sourced products, fair trade, and equitable living wages. Therefore, we can’t always offer the lowest cost compared to large chain stores that tend to be destructive to local and global communities.

We also don’t buy products in mass quantities compared to chain stores placing huge orders. However, the more people that shop at the co-op, the more bulk we can buy resulting in lower prices!

How do I shop your bulk section?

Shopping our bulk section is a great way to save money and reduce paper and plastic packaging. Start by bringing in your own jar, tupperware, or reusable container to the store. Weigh your empty container on our scale (in pounds) in the bulk room. Mark your item’s PLU (price lookup code) and the weight of your empty container on a piece of tape. Once you’ve placed the tape on your container, fill it however much (or as little!) as you’d like and check out as usual.

We also supply brown paper bags if you forgot your reusable container!