Become an Owner
Why become an owner? Because ownership has its benefits...
Ozark Natural Foods Co-op is a community-owned cooperative that is dedicated to the benefit of its owners, most of whom live in Northwest Arkansas. The investment you make in Co-op ownership capitalizes the store, just as buying stocks provides operating capital for typical publicly owned corporations. You can be a fully invested owner for $140; pay in full, or take advantage of our no-fee payment plan of just $20 per year for seven years. Investments are fully refundable to owners who move or leave The Co-op for any reason.
While anyone can shop at The Co-op, our owners are special to us. Owners can vote for Board of Directors members, enjoy food and community at the Annual Owners Meeting and other events, and take advantage of special owner benefits and discounts. Current owner benefits, as determined by the Board of Directors, include:
- Owner Appreciation Weekends: Three times a year, owners can stock up with 10% off all purchases, except for Co-op Advantage sale items, which are already discounted.
- Senior Discount: Owners 55 years and older receive 5% off every Wednesday and Thursday.
- Student Discount: U of A, JBU, NWACC and UAMS student-owners receive 5% off every Tuesday.
- Enjoy additional discounts: Look for the red "Owner Bonus Buy" tags! Every month 90-100 items go on sale for owners only.
- Share in the Co-op’s profit: When The Co-op makes a profit, owners receive a portion of that profit through Patronage Refunds, based on owners’ individual annual spending. The more you shop at The Co-op, the more profit you’ll get back.
- Receive discounted nutritional consultations: For one-on-one attention for your health concerns, see our on-staff wellness consultant, Laurell Matthews. She has an N.D. from Bastyr University, and 9 years experience at the Merc Co-op. She provides one-hour consultations for just $25, discounted from the standard fee of $40.
- Receive coupon books: Just ask for a Healthy Clippings coupon book at the Owner Services Desk. Each month, we offer a new collection of coupons for popular products and new items to try. Four times a year, a supplemental coupon book is mailed directly to your home.
- Take part in grassroots democracy: Owners democratically participate in The Co-op by electing our Board of Directors, holding office and joining committees. Only owners can run for elected Board positions.
- Receive The Ozark Star newsletter: The Ozark Star monthly newsletter features monthly Owner Bonus Buys, information about The Co-op, additional tips on healthy eating and advice on how to save money when you shop for groceries. To receive our newsletter via email and help us save paper, click here.
- Special advertising rates in the newsletter: Co-op owners who advertise in The Ozark Star get half off of our standard advertising rates. As an owner, you can share information about your business or organization with 6,300 fellow owners, while benefiting from special discounted advertising rates. To find out more about advertising with us, email Alli at alli@ozarknaturalfoods.com
