Becoming a Member

Syracuse Cooperative Market is owned, controlled, and used by member-owners; individuals who are invested in the mutual benefit that our sustainable, thriving, cooperative commerce brings to our community.

Your contribution and continued participation in the Syracuse Cooperative Market is a valuable investment for you individually. It is also an effective economic and social tool for our community. Equity contributions help the Co-op support local farmers, producers, and artisans; the local economy; food education; community outreach programs; community building initiatives; thoughtful, responsible consumerism and the cooperative economy.

Co-ops are owned and democratically controlled by the people they serve. Being an owner is the best way to ensure that your Co-op continues to meet your needs. There are other benefits to becoming an owner of Syracuse Cooperative Market.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Monthly Owner Specials
• Community Connections Program (click to learn more)
• 10% Discount on case orders
• Quarterly issues of The New Leaf
• Eligibility to run for Board of Directors
• Eligibility to participate in committees
• Access to special owner events
• Patronage Dividends*

*Patronage Dividends
Through patronage dividends, Cooperatives return to their members a percentage of net profit from owner activity. These dividends are distributed based on the total amount each individual owner spends at the Co-op throughout the fiscal year. It is simple for an owner to take advantage: just shop using your member number, and your return will be calculated upon your annual total patronage. At the close of the fiscal year, the Board of Directors votes on the General Manager’s recommendation for patronage dividends, and dividends are then distributed to members based on the previous year’s results. Some years the Co-op will have enough net profit to return a portion to owners, some years it might not.