Become a Co-op Member-Owner
Everyone is welcome to shop at Purple Porch — no membership required. But if you'd like to become an owner of the store you love, here's how it works.
Not sure what a co-op even is?
Learn about the co-op model here.
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 ensure more dollars stay local. We are a space for connecting, gathering, educating, providing, growing, and cooperating — and member-owners play a primary role in the local economy of this area.
Why invest? Here are just a few reasons:
To support the local economy, help preserve family farms, and keep small farmers and producers in business
To provide healthy food options in downtown South Bend
To provide a community gathering place
To build 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
Your Equity Share
Member-ownership is a one-time, lifetime equity share purchase of $200 (or $100 for students or those who self-identify as low income). Your equity share is not a fee — it's a refundable investment in a business you co-own. Payment can be made in full or in installments. Ask us about our flexible installment plan. These equity shares support co-op capital expenses.
We're committed to making membership accessible to everyone in our community. If you have questions about payment options or reduced-cost membership, just ask us — we want to work with you.
If you ever move away, your equity share is generally refundable upon request, subject to Board approval.
Additional Benefits to Member-Owners
10% off your 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 with an additional 5% bonus when paid by cash or check on the first Thursday of the month
Patronage refunds — As an owner, you share in the co-op's success. When the Co-op is profitable and the Board declares a patronage dividend, member-owners receive a refund proportional to their purchases that year.
Twice monthly 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 Board of Directors elections and other co-op decisions
Ability to participate in member-owner surveys to help shape your experience at PPFC
Responsibilities
Your main responsibility is to help grow Purple Porch — and that's actually easy and fun! The best way to support our business is simply by shopping at the Porch. You can also help make it an even better place by letting us know what you'd like to see in the store. Attending our Annual Meeting, spreading the word, and participating in member surveys are great ways to get more involved. We have established standards that guide our product selection, but we're always looking for more ways to make Purple Porch your full-service grocery.
The Fine Print
Member-owner equity shares are an investment in our community. They are generally refundable, though the Board retains the right to withhold refunds when necessary to protect the Co-op'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! You can become a member-owner in three easy ways: visit us in store and speak with one of our friendly cashiers, print and complete our application, or sign up online here.