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Whole Foods Co-op Access Programs

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Whole Foods Co-op Essentials Discount

Receive a deeper discount on everyday groceries

We’re excited to offer the Co-op Essentials Discount, a free program that provides a deeper discount on everyday items for our Owners with low incomes who are enrolled in a qualifying program. With Co-op Essentials Discount, eligible Owners will save 20% on C-op Essentials, including ALL fresh fruits and vegetables as well as hundreds of low-cost everyday staples throughout the Co-op. Look for the Essentials Discount ‘logo ‘E’ throughout the store!

To receive the Essentials Discount, you must be a Whole Foods Co-op Owner and verify with customer service that you are participating in a qualifying program, listed below.

If you have any questions about the program, please call or stop in to the Customer Service Counter.

Current Access Discount participants will be auto-enrolled in the Co-op Essentials Discount program on June 1, 2026. Program eligibility renewal is required on an annual basis. Whole Foods Co-op Essentials Discount Program will replace the Access Discount Program.  

Fran Skinner Memorial Matching Fund

Access to Ownership for everyone

The Fran Skinner Memorial Matching Fund was created in 1991 to make Ownership easier for people with limited incomes. An equity matching grant, the Fund provides up to $80 of the $100 equity stock purchase.

The name of the fund honors one of our founding members and long-time social justice advocate in our community, Fran Skinner.

To qualify for subsidized Ownership, individuals must show proof of participation in one of the below qualifying programs when signing up. Become an Owner at the Customer Service Counter at either of our stores or online. If filling out the web form, check the box: “Owners with Limited Means – $20, Bring Verification when Collecting Ownership Materials.”

Qualifying Programs

To qualify for the Fran Skinner Memorial Matching Fund and/or the Access Discount, bring proof of participation in one of the following programs to our Customer Service Counter at either store:

  • Emergency Assistance Program (St. Louis County or the Salvation Army)
  • Energy Assistance Program (AEOA)
  • Medicaid
  • School Meal Program
  • Section 8 or HRA Housing Program
  • SNAP / EBT
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or RSDI)
  • WIC (Women, Infants, Children)

Thank You Shoppers!

The Fran Skinner Memorial Matching Fund and Whole Foods Co-op Essentials Discount programs are supported in part by Co-op shopper donations with GIVE! roundup donations. Thank you to our shoppers for your support!