FAQ

General Questions

 

What is a Food Co-op?

A food co-op is a grocery store owned and governed by the people who shop there. Kingdom Co-op is a unique, multi-stakeholder cooperative—meaning our member-owners include three distinct groups: consumers who shop at the store, employees who work here, and local producers who sell their products on our shelves.

Unlike big-box chains, we are a values-driven business where profits stay local and members have a democratic voice in how the co-op is run.

 

Converting to a co-op ensures that this vital downtown resource remains in the community’s hands. It protects the legacy of GMNF while giving the community the opportunity to invest in and grow the store’s impact for years to come.

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Is the store still open during this transition?

Yes! Green Mountain Natural Foods remains open for business. We are working behind the scenes on the cooperative conversion, so you can still shop for all your favorite local and organic staples during our regular hours.

 

Who owns the co-op?

Once the transition is complete, the co-op will be owned by its members. A Founding Board of Directors currently provides oversight, but every member-owner holds one equal share and one vote.

 

Membership & Benefits

 

Do I have to be a member to shop here?

No! Everyone is welcome to shop at the co-op. However, becoming a member-owner provides you with exclusive benefits and helps strengthen our local food system.

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What are the benefits of becoming a member-owner?

Member-owners enjoy:

• Patronage Dividends: When the store is profitable, a share of the store's surplus profit.

• Member-Only Discounts: Special pricing on weekly staples and bulk items.

• Voting Rights: The power to elect the Board of Directors and vote on major store decisions.

• Supporting Local: Knowing your investment stays in the Northeast Kingdom to support area farmers and producers.

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How much does membership cost?

Consumer - $100

Employee - $200

Producer - $300

 

The Transition

 

Why are we changing from a private business to a co-op?

Converting to a co-op ensures that this vital downtown resource stays in the community's hands. It protects the legacy of GMNF while allowing the community to invest in and expand the store's impact.

 

Will the products or prices change?

Our commitment to local, natural, and organic products remains our top priority. As a co-op, we will leverage our collective buying power to keep prices as competitive as possible while ensuring fair compensation for our local farmers.

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How can I get involved?

There are many ways to help! You can:

1. Join as a member-owner.

2. Volunteer for one of our committees.

3. Attend our community conversations and events.

4. Spread the word to your neighbors!

 

Governance & Support

 

Who is on the Board of Directors?

Our Founding Board consists of local community members with backgrounds in agriculture, business, and community organizing. You can meet them at our upcoming events or read their bios on our About page.

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Who is supporting this effort?

We are proud to be supported by Newport Downtown Development, the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), Butterworks Farm, and Green Mountain Farm to School.

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