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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a member to shop at the Co-op?
No, everyone is welcome. Members enjoy benefits that are not available to non-members. See more information on member benefits and the cost of member equity.

Does the Co-op offer discounts on memberships for students?
No, the Co-op offers two kinds of membership. One is a fully refundable equity membership for $90, and a no-fee senior membership for shoppers 62 and older. The minimum equity payment is an affordable $3 per month to receive member prices.

Does the Co-op assist in helping people pay for their membership?
Yes, the Co-op has a program called the Seed Fund that members donate to help people get their membership started with their first three months of equity payments. If a membership is closed that was started with help from the Seed Fund, the payments made by the Co-op are rolled back into the Seed Fund and used for the next member who needs them. Contact Laura Steiger for more information.

Is all your food organic?
No, not everything in our stores is organic, but we do have a large selection of organic products. Our produce department was the first in Whatcom County and our bulk department was first in the state to become certified organic.

Do you carry gluten-free, wheat-free, diabetic, etc. products?
Yes, we have alternatives to many familiar foods for people on specialty diets, people with food allergies, and people who need to change their diet for medical reasons.

Does the Co-op offer case discounts on products off the shelf?
No, but if you are a member of the Co-op, you can pre-order items by the case for a discount off the shelf price. The Produce Dept. sometimes has cases they can sell. Just ask them. But you still need to be a member to get the discount.

Does the Co-op accept food stamps?
Yes, we do.

Can I use the Downtown Connection Building or the Cordata Local Roots room for my group?
Yes, if you are a member of our Co-op, you can arrange with Melissa Elkins to reserve the building. The building cannot be used for commercial uses to promote or sell a service or product, or for the support of political candidates. See our Community Room policy for more detailed guidelines.

Can I return something without a receipt?
It depends on the product and the nature of the return. We require receipts for returns on all mercantile (must be returned within one month of purchase) and supplement items.

How much does it cost to advertise in the Co-op Connection newsletter?
Members may place an ad in our newsletter that reaches Co-op members and shoppers. Only one ad per member, per issue is allowed. Classified ads are twenty cents a word, up to one hundred words; service listings are $10; and display ads are $30 to $90 depending on the size of the ad. Use our Ad Planning Sheet to plan your ad.

How long do your sales last?
It varies. Some sales are available to members-owners on a weekly or periodic basis, and some are available to all shoppers on a monthly basis. See specific sales information for details.

Where’s a good place to eat?
Our all-time favorite: The Swan Café at either Downtown or Cordata Co-op
Vegetarian/Vegan: Old Town Café, Rudy’s Pizzeria, Nama Living Foods Wellness Café, Bloom Organic Vegan Cuisine
Thai: On Rice, House of Orient
Breakfast: Old Town Café, Diamond Jim’s, Little Cheerful Café
Lunch: The Bagelry, Avenue Bread and Deli, La Vie en Rose, Mt. Bakery
Fun Dining: Boundary Bay, La Fiamma Pizza, Pepper Sisters
Fine Dining: Nimbus, Prospect St. Café

Call our service desk at 360-734-8158 if you have other questions.