Needles Community Market

A cooperative effort to provide quality, fresh groceries at affordable prices to the Needles area; with a commitment to local ownership and local needs.

Next Meeting

Thursday at 6pm PST/7pm MST

Committee Resources

Discord Chat Server
Google Drive Folder
Potential Location Spreadsheet
Research Spreadsheet (including example Co-ops)

General Resources

Food Co-Op Initiative

Introduction

We are looking to create a Cooperative Corporation (also known as a co-op or co-operative) to provide our community locally controlled food market.

What is a Grocery Co-op?

A co-op (short for Co-operative) is a business owned by a group of co-owners. By purchasing a one-time membership share, you become a co-owner, giving you an equal vote on what the co-op sells and how it operates.

Why are we building a Co-op?

Affordability: We are committed to building a grocery store that Needles residents can afford. The big guys have deep pockets and big networks, but our store doesn't have to send any money to corporate executives or shareholders. All profits are reinvested back into the business or cashed out as dividends to the members.
Accessibility: Many Needles residents face significant challenges getting to a grocery store that can meet their needs. Because we are in charge of the store, we can decide where it will be.
Local Control & Investment: Community members own it. Community members run it. Community members can decide to hire local, stock what we want, and make it into whatever we need it to be. Dollars spent here stay here to build our local economy.
Who is organizing this co-op? Tri-state residents! Your neighbors - teachers, county workers, retirees, and many others are joining with support from Teamsters Local 1932 and the River Communities Coalition to build a co-op by and for the Tri-state residents.
What happens to the profits? Unlike corporate chains where profits leave town, any surplus our co-op make is reinvested right back into the store )to keep prices low and service excellent) or returned to you, the member-owners, as dividends (cash back).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will it be?

Where do you want it to be? We all understand location is incredibly important and we are looking at many locations to ensure we meet the needs of the community and can sustain a viable business. We are still evaluating and considering locations. Your feedback is needed.

How soon will the store open?

We'd open tomorrow if we could! It depends on many factors from permitting, construction, refrigerator availability, wholesale provider contracts, insurance, hiring employees, and many other practical considerations. As we secure funding and get contracts signed we'll start to get a better picture. Some co-ops have taken a few years to get their doors open, some have opened much faster with strong community backing and favorable loans.