JOIN GREENE HILL – SHOP TODAY

 
 

Why join the Co-op?

  • Our Co-op is different from other grocery stores. We exist to serve the needs of our members, not to turn a profit.

  • Our member-owners enjoy products and food of the same high quality as high-end stores, often at lower prices. We carefully source everything, supporting local farmers and manufacturers including those which are minority-owned. We have a commitment that 15% of our products will come from Black-owned businesses.

  • All this is made possible because each and every one of our member-owners works a 2.5 hour shift every 4 weeks. Only members may shop (except on open shopping weekends).

    • Open Shopping: we’re open to all neighbors every third weekend (including Fridays) each month—no membership required! We encourage you to stop by and shop, and consider joining!

  • For a deeper dive, scroll down to our Orientation slideshow!

 

What’s it mean to be a member-owner?

Check out our Orientation slideshow below for lots of information and inspiration. Beyond shopping rights, member-owners take part in the democratic process of running the Co-op. We work alongside each other to operate and design the store, source ethical and desired products, stock shelves, pay the bills, design the website etc. Everyone is encouraged to attend our monthly meetings, where we discuss the issues the Co-op the community is facing together with the members elected to serve on the board of directors. It’s democracy in action.

Each member-owner works 2.5 hours every month. Many new members start as floor attendants or cashiers. It's fun to work in the store! See our work shift procedures for specifics.

  • Some members prefer to work on a committee. Many, if not all, tasks can be done outside the store, like record-keeping, governance, outreach or social media. This, of course, depends on the committee’s needs.

  • If you are unable to work due to disability or other circumstances, please email Membership, and we will try to arrange a membership plan for your needs.

  • For any questions not answered in the Orientation slideshow about joining or FAQs, email Membership.

Messages from the store managers.

 
 

How to join

Step 1: Check out the membership options below, pick what’s right for you and sign up.

Step 2: Start shopping right away!

Step 3: After signing up for any plan please watch the orientation video below which has important and helpful information.

Step 4: Sign up for a work shift (unless you’re opting for the 2 month non-working trial). 

 
 
 
 
 
 

We understand that immediately becoming a member-owner is a big ask, so we offer two trial plans. At the end of a trial plan, you may switch to a member-owner plan.

 

Shop for 2 months - then decide

FREE

  • Individual trial membership

  • Shop with us for two months (*prior to mid-December 2021 was 1 month).

  • No work requirement, no investment.

  • At the end of the 2 months, we hope you will join us!

  • Unfortunately, trial members can’t vote on Co-op Board decisions.

  • At the end of this plan, you may also do the 6 month trial plan.

Join for 6 months - then decide

$25

  • Individual trial membership

  • Shop and work with us for 6 months.

  • Work the required 2.5 hour shift every 4 weeks. 

  • Single, $25 non-refundable investment.

  • At the end of 6 months, we hope you will join us!

  • Unfortunately, trial members can’t vote on Co-op Board decisions. 

 
 

READY TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER-OWNER?

 
 
  • Member-owners have full shopping and voting rights.

  • Every adult (over 18) who shares in the Co-op's benefits needs to join as a member and work individual shifts.

  • Every member-owner works a 2.5 hour shift every 4 weeks. This fair balance of labor keeps our prices low and creates a cooperative community in which all member-owners contribute to the Co-op’s growth equally.

  • One member do another household member or partners shift. The working member simply needs to sign in under the non-working members name, when doing that shift.

  • If you have 2 adults in your household you can join at the same time. If you have 3+ adults in your household please contact Membership directly.

  • Please choose a sliding scale plan below.

 
 

 
 

SLIDING SCALE PLANS

 
 

Our plans are designed on a sliding scale to ensure that Co-op membership is accessible to as many people as possible.
No matter what plan you choose, you’ll have an equal voice, stake, and ownership in the Co-op.

Please select the Co-op membership plan that best describes your personal/household situation. Consider your household income and at least one other qualifier when deciding.

 
 

I qualify for government assistance such as:

  • SNAP/EBT/Food stamps OR

  • Unemployment Benefits OR

  • Supplemental Security Income OR

  • Medicaid OR

  • Go WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) OR

  • Family Health Plus/Child Health Plus OR

  • Section 8 Housing OR

  • Advantage Program (Fixed Income, Worker or Children’s Advantage) issued by ACS, HRA, or the Department of Homeless Services (DHS)

Non-refundable investment:

$5-$25

  • My household income is below the Brooklyn median of $60,231/year OR

  • I do not receive health insurance or other benefits from an employer or a household member OR

  • I (or my household) is responsible for significant student or medical debt OR

  • More than 30% of my income goes towards rent OR

  • I don’t expect to receive any significant inheritance or other financial support from family members

Non-refundable investment:

$25-$100

  • My household income is above the Brooklyn median of $60,231/year OR

  • I (and my household) receive health insurance and other benefits from an employer OR

  • I (or my household) am not responsible for any significant student or medical debt OR

  • My housing is stable and secure OR

  • I (or my household) have received or expect a modest inheritance or other financial support from family members

Non-refundable investment:

$100-$200

  • My household income is more than double the Brooklyn median of $120,462/year OR

  • I (and my household) receive health insurance and other benefits from an employer OR

  • I (or my household) am not responsible for any significant student or medical debt OR

  • My housing is stable and secure OR

  • I (or my household) have received or expect an significant inheritance or other financial support from family members

Non-refundable investment:

$200-$300

 

**INVESTMENT POLICY

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. The Co-op currently has in place a moratorium on membership-equity redemptions; it will continue until the Co-op's fiscal health is stabilized.

If a member-owner requests redemption of their investment upon resigning, it may not be immediate. 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 remains a member until their redemption is processed).