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Co-op Impact

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Our ENDS Statement

Whole Foods Co-op is a thriving consumer-owned cooperative that supports, invests, and partners to create a healthy community.

A healthy community is one that nurtures emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health.

Whole Foods Co-op Creates a Healthy Community By

  • Requiring a robust local, sustainable food system
  • Nourishing and replenishing water, air, and soil
  • Prioritizing equity and diversity
  • Fostering relationships and human connection
  • Resting on local and share ownership

7 Co-op Principles

A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Whole Foods Co-op is a consumer-owned cooperative. It is a business voluntarily owned and controlled by its Owners.

A green circle with the number 1 in white centered inside it, reminiscent of the Whole Foods Coop logo in Duluth, MN.

Voluntary and Open Membership 

Cooperatives are voluntary organizations open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

A white number two is centered in a green circle with a plain background, reminiscent of the Whole Foods Coop in Duluth, MN.

Democratic Member Control 

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who buy the goods or use the cooperative’s services and actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. 

A green circle with a white number 3 in the center, reminiscent of the fresh, organic vibe you find at Whole Foods Coop in Duluth, MN.

Member Economic Participation 

Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the cooperative’s capital. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested. 

A green circle with the number 4 in white centered inside of it, reminiscent of the Whole Foods Coop logo in Duluth, MN.

Autonomy and Independence 

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it does so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintain the cooperative’s autonomy. 

A green circle with the number 5 in white is centered inside, reminiscent of the fresh and organic vibe at Whole Foods Coop in Duluth, MN.

Education, Training, and Information 

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives. 

A green circle with the white number 6 in the center, reminiscent of the fresh, vibrant vibe at Whole Foods Coop in Duluth, MN.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives 

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures. 

A green circle with the white number 7 centered inside, reminiscent of the signage found at Whole Foods Coop in Duluth, MN.

Concern for Community 

Cooperatives focus on member needs and work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.