Is Food Co-op worth it?

This should be fun.

It's harder to join the coop these days, you have to sign up for an 'orientation' and signup is only once per week I think. You can only know if it's worth it by trying it out. You will likely find it fun to work there, but you have to give up those precious 2.75 hours a month.

I don't know where I would shop if I didn't have the coop. probably at Whole Foods or Union Market. I would spend a lot more, but probably better selection at Whole Foods and less hassle.

For example, Sunday I went to the coop, which is the worst day to shop. Lines were so long I only got 15 items so I could get in the express line. but I needed more than that.

On the other hand, Friday after work is a breeze.

In addition to good produce, they have a great selection of beer at very good prices. They have good bread and bagels, apples, bananas, very good dairy items, some good meat but only frozen fish. I like the bulk section for Oatmeal, coffee, beans, sugar etc.

If you know a coop member, let them take you shopping so you can see and have one of your prior grocery receipts handy to compare prices on the things you buy.

As a member and a person who is not too tolerant of 'coop variety' bullshit, I'd say it is totally worth any potential hassle, longer lines, etc... Prices on most items are unbeatable, working shifts ain't a thing. Think of it as an extended shopping trip once a month, use your time to master the aisles, seek out food items you would have trouble finding, and pick a job that suits your taste.

Also, being a member is more than just working shifts. You have much more input in what goes on and off the shelves. You also have the resources on hand to let you know where all food has come from. Much like whole foods, but more comprehensive.

Will their be annoying situations, I think most people would say yes, then chuckle. But, damn if the food and drink ain't priced well!

I've been a member for more than 10 years now and I love it, so I think it's totally worth it. But I agree 100% with Jazmer - it has to be for you and suit your needs. Otherwise don't do it.

For me it works out well. I prefer to cook most of my meals and with the Coop I can eat well at a reasonable price. A good example for me is smoked salmon. I love it, but it's generally too pricey most places for me to buy on a regular basis. But at the coop, I can afford to eat it pretty regularly.

Also, I have the time to do a 2 1/2 hour shift once every four weeks - and I actually enjoy the work. I like the people, and the friendly atmosphere and the stereotypical hippie music piping through the speakers. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard Buffalo Springfield’s "For What It's Worth" while shopping

And although most of the staff are volunteers, there is a core of full-time professionals who work there and are very competent.

Yes, there are hardcore people there who sometimes don’t seem to understand that fascist behavior can swing from both the left and the right.

We have (or at least had) a request sheet where any member could request an item and the Coop would give it a trial run. Years ago I put down that I wanted Fancy Feast because that’s what my cats like. I later saw that someone had taken it upon themselves to cross out my suggestion and wrote that Fancy Feast was junk food for cats. I guess for some reason it didn’t bother this person that we also sold junk food for people at the Coop.

So my suggestion was never even heard. One person did that. I thought that was a pretty undemocratic thing to do. I could have pushed for it, but couldn't be bothered so I just get the Fancy Feast elsewhere and didn’t let one fascist bastard spoil my view of the Coop.

But with 15,000 members there are going be bastards. It’s just a matter of statistics. (By the way I drain the gravy from the FF before feeding my cats – and they are in great health).

There are also those who might think I’m scum because I generally don’t buy organic food if given an option. But it’s never affected me in any way whatsoever. In 10 years nobody’s ever hassled me, pressured me, or hypnotized me or anything. Well, maybe I wouldn’t know if they hypnotized me or not. I even had a shift once with a man who was a Republican and a George Bush supporter – though I think he just relished being in the lion’s den. Nothing happened to him. Don’t forget, these people are pacifists. They’re not going to beat you.

So it’s really not a cult or anything, and it’s not the Hotel California. If you don’t like it you can quit and you can leave and they’ll give you back your membership fee back.

Sorry for such a long post.

I'm gonna add my voice to the yays. We've been members for about 2 years now - wow, 2 years - & I too can't imagine shopping anywhere else. If you like to cook, then it's totally worth it. The fresh produce, the bulk section, being able to buy small packets of fresh spices, being able to discover new kinds of foods and exotic flavors, all the different kinds of cheeses, it's just the best.

That being said. I hate shopping there . It's a madhouse, people are always underfoot & finding shifts can be difficult. But, it's all part of the experience.

in my opinion, it's not worth the time and the hassle. yeah, the sense of community among the plebs i worked-with was nice, and the selection of certain items and some prices are attractive. but woe be to you if you miss a shift. and be prepared to feel like you're entering east germany if you want to bring-in a friend to show them what the place is like. after a while i began to feel like i was working at guantanamo bay.

East Germany is a great metaphor for the food-coop experience

Except the Food Coop actually has food on the shelves.

My wife has been a member for about 30 years, with a membership number under 500...so obviously she feels it's a worthwhile investment of her time. It's enlightening to go to a regular grocery store and have her show me the differences in price with the co-op.