Green Top Grocery is a cooperative grocery store in the process of opening in the Bloomington-Normal community. What is a cooperative grocery, you ask? It's a full-service grocery store OWNED by members of the community (like you!) 

Why do we need such a thing, when we have so many grocery stores already? Those places are all privately owned businesses. The chain store you currently shop at is functioning to make profits for its owner or shareholders, and the money leaves the community. With the cooperative model, the owners are individuals right here in town -- the money stays right here! There are huge benefits to opening a co-operative (there are over 300 food co-ops across the U.S. right now, with more opening each month!)

A cooperative grocery will:

1. support our local farmers: our farmers need more outlets for their fresh, healthy produce. Farmers' Markets and CSAs aren't enough, and many farmers could grow food year round if they had a place to sell it. A local cooperative grocery store can do that!

2. put a focus on healthy people and a healthy environment: what food issues are important to you? GMO labeling? organic food production? environmental impact? Or perhaps you or your family have dietary restrictions or food allergies... Green Top Grocery's products can address the things you care about. Remember, our OWNERS determine what is sold, so as an owner you can get the products you need and feel good about. Outreach is also something we feel strongly about, so cooking classes and community education are all in the plans!

3. create good jobs that pay fair wages: Green Top Grocery will provide needed jobs at fair wages. On average, cooperative groceries pay $1 more per hour than conventional grocery stores, and more employees are eligible for benefits. Research shows that the answer to hunger isn't cheap food, it's better wages (something certain 'big box' grocery stores won't do!)

4. keep money in our community: a large percentage of stocked items are sourced locally, so our local food producers benefit. Profits also stay in the community, returned as patronage to our owners or reinvested into the cooperative and outreach. 

5. give YOU a vote: owners vote for the Board of Directors, and other key aspects of the store. Right now in the planning stages, owners will contribute key imput regarding site location, too! It's a great time to become an owner of Green Top Grocery!

Ownership in Green Top Grocery is a one-time purchase of $200. This entitles you to attend owner-only planning meetings, and also receive reciprocal benefits at Urbana's food co-op, Common Ground Food Co-op! We also have payment plans and financial assistance available, to ensure anyone who wants to join this amazing organization can do so! Please visit our website or call our Outreach Manager, Katie Novak, if you would like more information on ownership.

See you at the Green Top!