As a cooperative, we stand for more than just great food:

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The 7 Co-op Principles

A cooperative exists to serve its members, but what makes co-ops unique is that the members are also the owners! In addition to getting the products and services you need, you also have a say in the business decisions your cooperative makes.

Open & Voluntary Membership

Co-ops are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership/ownership without discrimination.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market is open to EVERYONE. The Co-op is here to provide a member-owned business to the community looking for the services we provide. Membership-ownership is Voluntary, you DO NOT need to be a member-owner to shop here.

Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their member/owners, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. All member/owners have equal voting rights: one member, one vote.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market is governed by a Democratically elected board of directors. Each fall the Co-op holds a General Membership Meeting (GMM) where the candidates announce they are running. Voting then takes place in the store.

Member Economic Participation

Member/owners contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

Every member-owner of this cooperative makes an economic investment in the business. Member-owner’s capital is an important part of what makes the Co-op thrive.

Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their member/owners.

While the Syracuse Cooperative Market is a member-owner of the National Cooperative Grocers (NCG) we are autonomous and independent.

Education, Training & Information

Cooperatives provide education and training for their member/owners, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so they can understand the benefits of cooperation and contribute effectively.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market holds many events throughout the year meant to education and provide information not only to the member-owners, but to the community at large.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their member/owners more effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market supports many different cooperatives including worker-owned, consumer-owned, producer-owned. We feature products from co-ops such as Organic Valley, Frontier Co-op, Once Again Nut Butters, Parmigiano Reggiano, Equal Exchange

We belong to co-ops such as National Cooperative Grocers, The National Cooperative Business Association, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, River Valley Market

Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their member/owners.

Participation in Community Events:
The Co-op participates in many events throughout the year. Look for us at events like Westcott Street Cultural Fair, Buy Local Bash and more…

Hosting Community Based Events:
The Co-op co-partners community events such as the Art Rage Film Series

Donations and Support of Community Groups and Organizations:
The Co-op proudly sponsors events, donates food and money to organizations, and lends support where needed…

Support of Local Farmers and Producers

Support of Local Business and Services:
We support our local electricians, carpenters, refrigeration companies, computer techs, restaurants, bakeries, and more…

Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union field of membership:
The Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union was founded in our back storage room. We are part of their field of membership, you can even make your deposits here!

JOIN THE CO-OP COMMUNITY!

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MEMBERSHIP INFO

SINCE 1972

We are a community-owned grocery store
emphasizing whole, local and organic foods

Founded by an energetic group of activists in the 1970’s, the Syracuse Cooperative Market has been the Westcott/University neighborhood’s only grocery store for over 40 years. The Co-op’s founders envisioned a cooperatively-owned community. They wanted access food that was locally-produced and of high quality. They wanted to support local growers and producers. They wanted to contribute to a justice-based society. They wanted access to capital. They wanted to transform society and live well.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market is a community-owned grocery store focusing on local and organic produce, craft beer, bulk foods and a grab-and-go deli. The closest grocery store to University Hill, the Co-op is driven by owner participation and committed to community service. We are open to the public and carry a full line of natural and organic grocery items, fresh local produce and vegan/vegetarian/omnivore deli options. It is our mission to be a sustainable, thriving cooperative commerce in our local community centered on an excellent grocery store, built upon participation and ownership.