GENERAL
Q. What is the Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: We are a group of neighbors in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill/Bedford-Stuyvesant and surrounding areas who work together to run a not-for-profit cooperative grocery store.
Q: Where is Greene Hill Food Co-op located?
A: 1083 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11238 (between Classon and Franklin), on the border of Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy.
Q: What is a not-for-profit cooperative grocery store?
A: A not-for-profit cooperative grocery store is a grocery store that is owned and run by the people who shop there, called member-owners. Because cooperative member-owners pool their resources and contribute most of the work, overhead stays low, prices are lower, and the quality of the products remains high.
Q: What are the Greene Hill Food Co-op store hours?
A: The Co-op is open for shopping on:
Monday: 1pm-3pm for seniors and at-risk populations, 3pm-9pm for everyone
Tuesday–Friday: 1pm–9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am–6pm
Q: How do I contact Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: Ways to reach the Co-op:
Email: board@greenehillfood.coop
Mail: Greene Hill Food Cooperative, Inc., 1083 Fulton St. Brooklyn, NY 11238
Meet us in person at the monthly General Meeting every fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9 pm on Zoom. Email board@greenehillfood.coop for the link to join.
Q: What kind of payment do you accept at the store?
A: We accept cash, debit, credit, (including Apple Pay/tap cards), personal checks and SNAP (EBT) at our store for payment.
MEMBERSHIP
Q: Why should I become a member-owner of the Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: Benefits include: Access to a range of healthy, delicious staples and specialty items, with an emphasis on Fair Trade, organic and sustainable products. We prioritize and highlight products from other cooperatives and from businesses that are local, and/or owned by women, Black people, and people of color. Our prices are typically lower than those available in other local markets. And by joining the Co-op, you have opportunities to be involved and invested in our local community.
Q: Will there be member-owner orientations?
A: Yes, each member-owner will be required to attend an orientation session, which is held monthly. See the calendar for the next orientation session.
NOTE: At this time, we are not conducting any in-person orientations. The orientation session is now virtual and the link is sent to members when they join. If you are curious about joining, you can email membership@greenehillfood.coop to request the link.
Q: Who can join Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: Any adult who pays a Membership Investment and commits to work a shift every four weeks can join – there are no residence or neighborhood requirements. The Co-op is committed to building a diverse and vibrant community.
Q: Can a business become a member-owner of the Co-op?
A: No. Because we are incorporated as a membership cooperative, only individual humans can be member-owners, according to the laws of New York State.
Q: I’d like to join but I’m not able to stop by to get an application. What do I do?
A: You can sign up directly online! Currently we are not offering paper applications. Email membership@greenehillfood.coop if you have questions about the sign-up process!
Q: Why does the Membership Agreement say everyone in my household must join?
A: Each adult (18+) who shares food in your household must become a member-owner of the Co-op. This helps ensure that the amount of labor and investment coming into the Co-op matches the amount of groceries we sell.
Q: Do I have to be a member-owner of the Co-op to shop there?
A: Yes, Co-op member-owners voted to be a 100% working co-op; that is, only member-owners will be allowed to shop there in general. We have several sliding scale membership options to choose from. No matter what plan you choose, you’ll have an equal voice, stake, and ownership in the Co-op.
Q: How can I tell if the Co-op is right for me before paying my Membership Investment?
A: We offer a few options to ensure the Co-op is a good fit:
A 2-month trial membership. This trial membership allows you to shop in the store without any work commitment or financial investment for two months.
A 6-month temporary membership, where you shop in the store, and work a recurring shift every 4 weeks.
After your trial period(s) are over, we’d love for you to become a full member!
WORK SHIFTS
Q: Why is there a work requirement to be a member-owner?
A: Greene Hill Food Co-op has voted to be a 100% working co-op. That means that every member-owner is responsible for contributing work to the store. Using member-owner labor instead of paid labor helps us keep costs down, and it also helps maintain a sense of community among our members.
Q: How much do I have to work?
A: Currently, our work requirement is 2.5 hours every 4 weeks (13 times a year). If you work more than that, you can “bank” hours to count toward your requirements in the future.
Q: Do I need to sign up for work shifts as soon as I join?
A: Yes. Refer to our Work Shift Procedures for more information. All new member-owners have a grace period of 30 days to shop before being required to work their first shift. If a member doesn’t sign up for a work shift within 60 days of joining they will be deactivated.
Q: What kind of work do I have to do?
A: You have a lot of choices. We have many work shifts that need to be done at specified times at the store, from receiving and stocking groceries, to cashiering, and greeting member-owners at the door. There is also a lot of important work to be done for the committees, most of which can be done from home and/or on your own time, if your schedule makes showing up for a regular store shift difficult.
Q: How can I change my shift?
A: To permanently change your recurring store shift, simply email the Membership Work Tracking Team. To arrange a one-time swap, please refer to our Work Shift Policies.
Q: Can I cover my partner’s shift for them?
A: Yes, members may cover one another’s work shifts. You just need to sign in under their name in Humanity.
Q: Is there an option to pay more to avoid the work requirement?
A: No.
Q: What if I can’t commit to a regular schedule due to my irregular work schedule, I travel a lot or other reasons? How can I fulfill my work requirement?
A: If you are a member-owner who has an unpredictable schedule or for whatever reason find it difficult to commit to the same position, day, time, and week, we encourage you to join a committee. Most committee work can be done remotely and on your own time. If you cannot join a committee, please email Membership membership@greenehillfood.coop to discuss your options.
Q: What happens if I don’t work?
A: Each member-owner is responsible for their shift and is expected to find a replacement for the shift if they cannot fulfill it. It is important to remember, the Co-op depends on members showing up to fulfill their work requirement. A lack of personnel at any given time in the store can be disruptive to its operations and can lead to closing the store early because of a staffing shortage. For further details, please consult the make up procedure chart in our work shift policy.
Q: If my membership has lapsed, how do I become “active” again?
A: Please consult the make up procedure chart in our work shift policy.
Q: Are there childcare services provided while I work my shift at Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer childcare services right now. We realize this would be a valuable service, and the Co-op will continue to assess options for providing childcare as we grow.
PARTICIPATION
Q: Are there monthly meetings?
A: The Co-op holds monthly meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm on Zoom that are open to all members, including trial members. Email board@greenehillfood.coop for the link to join.
Joining a monthly meeting is a great way to stay informed regarding the rapid changes at our growing Co-op and to become more deeply involved.
Q: How can I participate in the Co-op outside of working an in-store shift?
A: Much of the work involved in operating the Co-op is carried out by various committees. These committees are open to all, including prospective member-owners. Please click here for more details on how to get involved.
Q: What committees need members and assistance?
A: All committees need your assistance. Check out our Committees page to see how you can get involved, and check “The Weekly” for listings on current committee needs and openings.
Q: I want to spread the word about the Co-op. What can I do?
A: Help us reach more people in the community by arranging for a Greene Hill Food Co-op representative to make a presentation at your house of worship, PTA, block association, or other neighborhood group by contacting the Outreach Committee at outreach@greenehillfood.coop. You can also become involved in the Co-op's membership drive by actively speaking with friends, family, and neighbors about joining the Co-op and passing out fliers in the community.
Q: Can I get electronic updates about the Co-op?
A: Sign up to receive the Greene Hill Food Co-op’s email newsletter the Weekly here.
CO-OP STRUCTURE
Q: Who runs Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: Greene Hill Food Co-op is a formally incorporated cooperative organization and is a collaborative effort with no one person in charge. Our Board of Directors, General Manager, and committees are guided by input from the general membership.
FUNDRAISING/DONATIONS
Q: How can I invest further in the Greene Hill Food Co-op?
A: We have a state-approved member loan program, and we gratefully accept donations of used equipment and cash. If you are interested in loaning or donating money to the Co-op or have a fundraising idea, please email our Finance Committee. All suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Q: I run a small business in the neighborhood and would like to partner with the Co-op. How might that work?
A: We welcome support from local businesses, such as donations of gift certificates or other small incentives we can provide to members, posting of Greene Hill Food Co-op signs in shop windows, and more. Please contact the Outreach Committee to see how you can be involved.
Q: Are financial donations to the Co-op tax-deductible?
A: No. The Co-op is incorporated under New York State's cooperative corporations law and is not classified as a not-for-profit corporation by the IRS.
Q: I’d like to donate some equipment that I think you could use. What do I do?
A: Please contact our Operations Committee to discuss options.
FINANCIAL
Q: How much does it cost to join?
A: The Co-op offers sliding scale membership plans to make membership affordable to people of all income levels. Individuals can select the plan that best reflects their personal household situation. No matter which plan is selected, members have an equal voice, stake, and ownership in the Co-op. Complete details can be found on our Join page.
Q: Are there payment plans available?
A: Yes! You can pay your membership investment (at any level) in 6 installments.
Q: Will the Co-op accept alternative means of payment such as food stamps?
A: Yes, Greene Hill Food Co-op accepts cash, checks, money orders, SNAP/EBT, and debit cards as payment for groceries. However, SNAP/EBT cannot be used to pay the membership investment fee when you join.
Q: Is the Membership Investment tax deductible?
A: No, Membership Investments are not tax deductible; Greene Hill Food Co-op is incorporated in New York State as a not-for-profit membership cooperative, not a “charitable organization” under Section 501 of the IRS Code.
Q: What do I do if I want to leave the Co-op?
A: If you should ever decide to cancel your membership to the Co-op, simply email Membership with your contact info and reason for leaving. If you wish for your investment to be redeemed you will be referred to the Investments team. Please remember that when a member-owner requests a redemption of their investment, it may not be immediate. The redemption timing is determined by the Board of Directors, according to the Co-op’s fiscal health and other factors (and as such, a member-owner remains a member-owner until his or her redemption is processed). Often member-owners that leave the Co-op choose to donate their investment to the Co-op. More information is available under our Leave & Cancellation Policies.
Q: How do I qualify for reduced fees?
A: Our sliding scale membership options start for as little as $5 to join. Please select the membership investment that best meets your personal/household financial situation.
Q: Why is there a Membership Investment to join?
A: The Member-owner investment in the Co-op is just that — an investment. Through this financial investment, members share in the Co-op's risk and its success. These support Co-op operations, expansion and development, and help the Co-op achieve sustainability.
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LOCAL FOOD COOPS
Q: I’m a PSFC member, can I shop at Greene Hill?
A: YES! Just use the PSFC card at the check in desk to sign in.
Q: I’m a PSFC member, can I work at Greene Hill and get PSFC FTOP credit?
A: No.
Q: I’m a member of another local Food Co-op (other than PSFC), can I shop at Greene Hill?
A: We are in the process of developing a shopping relationship with other local Food Co-ops. We will update that policy here as soon as it is developed.