Principle #7: Concern for Community

Welcome back to our blog series on the Cooperative Principles, where we take a closer look at the guiding values that make Sno-Isle Food Co-op special.

Principle #7:
Concern for Community

We support economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient local community through our co-op’s practices, policies, and programs. We work in cooperation with local governments, businesses, farmers, and others to improve the overall health of our community.

Co-ops of all kinds around the world are governed by the same set of seven cooperative principles, which originated with the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society in England and are codified by the International Cooperative Alliance. While Sno-Isle Food Co-op follows an additional five principles, the last of the original seven cooperative principles is by no means the least!

Cooperation and community go hand-in-hand. Our store would not exist without the support of our community, and we strive to do all we can to bolster and strengthen our community in return. We support community organizations and events that align with the Co-op’s vision and mission through donations (monetary and in-kind) and sponsorships. It is the goal of the Co-op to support organizations that focus on food and nutrition issues, community building, sustainability, environmental preservation and conservation, cooperative values, or addressing social concerns.

In 2018 we started our Register Roundup program, which gives customers the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Each month these accumulated donations go to a different local nonprofit. In 2020, our amazing customers contributed nearly $15,000 through the Register Roundup program. In March 2020, SIFC pledged to match customer Register Roundup contributions up to $500 each month through the end of 2021. We are hoping that this will be the most successful year for Register Roundups yet!

Each year when SIFC Owners vote for the Board of Trustees, they also get the chance to vote for non-profits that are supported through the next year’s Register Roundup program. The nomination period for 2022 non-profits is open until August 1st, 2021. We invite all our Owners, shoppers, and community members to nominate local non-profits that make a difference in our community and uphold our vision and mission to grow the health of our community from the roots up!

Register Roundup nomination form can be found on our website: https://www.snoislefoods.coop/donations