Contact Us

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123 N. Hill St
South Bend, IN 46617

574-287-6724

Become a Co-op Owner

Become a Co-op Owner  

Co-ops rely on Member-Owners

Since 2009, we have been connecting our community to local growers, suppliers, farmers and producers who keep health, sustainability, ethics and community in mind. We believe that having open access to the providers of real food and goods makes a real difference in our lives, our neighborhoods and our planet.

The Porch is a community-owned business.  By investing in an equity share and shopping at the co-op, member-owners help to ensure more dollars stay local. We are a space of connecting, gathering, educating, providing, and growing, and cooperating. Member-owners play a primary role in the local economy of this area. Why invest? Here’s just a few reasons:

  • to support the local economy, help preserve family farms, and help keep small farmers and producers in business

  • to provide healthy food options in downtown South Bend

  • to provide a community gathering place

  • to have direct relationships with and buy from Fair Trade and other cooperatively-owned businesses

  • to provide satisfying jobs with good pay to people in our community

Member-ownership is a one-time, lifetime equity share purchase of $200 (or $100 for students or those who self-identify as low income). Payment can be made in-full or in installments. These equity shares support co-op capital expenses.

additional BENEFITS TO member-owners

  • 10% off entire store purchase once per month (excluding Farmer’s Market purchases)

  • 10% discount on special-order product cases (excluding dairy/eggs)

  • Pre-paid store account option, including an additional 5% bonus*

  • Quarterly email newsletter with coupons, recipes, and more

  • Eligibility to run for and serve on our Board of Directors

  • Voting rights (1 per member-owner share) at our Annual Meeting for our Board of Directors elections and other co-op decisions

  • Ability to participate in member-owner surveys to customize your experience at PPFC

  • Free curbside pickup for online or phone orders 

* 5% bonus added to account when paid by cash or check on the 1st Thursday of the month

RESPONSIBILITIES

Your main responsibility is to help grow the Purple Porch. This is actually easy and fun: the best way to support our business is by shopping at the Porch! Also, you can help make the co-op an even better place to shop by letting us know what you’d like to see in the store. We have established standards that help guide our product selection, but we’re always looking for more ways to help make Purple Porch your full-service grocery! 

Your equity share

Member-owner equity shares are at risk, but generally refundable, though the Board retains the right to withhold refunds when necessary to protect the Cooperative’s financial viability. Equity will not be refunded if such refunds would lead to a net decrease in total member paid-in equity, or would risk, cause or exacerbate non­compliance with any Financial Condition policy.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER-OWNER?

It’s simple! Visit the co-op and speak with one of our friendly cashiers…or…print and complete this Brochure/Application…or…click the button below to sign up right now!