A cooperative or “co-op” is a business organized and run by its members. There are more than 200 co-op food stores in the U.S., governed by the local people who shop in them.

Anyone can shop at a co-op, member or not, but membership has its benefits. Some co-ops give discounts at the cash register to members; some distribute profits among members at the end of each year. Members elect the co-op’s board of directors and can influence co-op policies.

Co-op members can use their collective buying power in other ways as well. For example, members of the grocery co-op in Hanover, New Hampshire, also get discounts when they buy child safety car seats, solar energy systems, insurance, and well drilling services.

Co-ops emphasize the idea of community. They feature local products, they keep money in the local economy instead of exporting profits to a faraway corporate headquarters, and provide good jobs that pay well and offer good benefits.

The one-time purchase of a share for $25 makes you a GREAT RIVER Co-op Member! There is no annual fee.

Members who purchase four (4) shares also have voting rights in electing the Board of Directors who hire and oversee the Management Team.

To Purchase your Membership Share(s), click here.