Co-ops have a unique ability to raise capital directly from their owners through preferred shares, loans, and donations. Across the country, food co-ops typically raise about half of the funds needed to open and support early operations from their member-owners. This locally raised capital is often more affordable than bank financing, more flexible, and a powerful expression of cooperative Economic Participation. By investing, our community helps build a stronger, more ethical, and resilient local food system—something we can all be proud of.

As a Food Shed Co-op owner, you bought at least two common shares. These common shares are tied to several owner benefits, including future patronage dividends, and voting rights within our democratic organization - One Owner = One Vote. Common shares funded our outreach and start-up efforts but represent about 7% of the capital needed to open our store. As an Owner, you have the exclusive opportunity to invest further in your community-owned grocery store, your community and your values. Owner investments demonstrate a loyal customer base and reduce debt service, making the Food Shed Co-op more resilient.

You can earn a fair return while knowing your money is working close to home—supporting local business, strengthening our community, and helping the co-op reach financial stability. The Food Shed Co-op Community Investment Campaign keeps investment dollars rooted locally instead of tied to Wall Street volatility. While it does involve risk, it also creates real, visible impact right here in our community.

Our 2026 capital campaign aims to raise $250,000, and we must secure these funds by March 31, 2026. Without this support, we face serious threats to daily operations that could mean reduced staff, fewer services, and a setback to the mission our community built this store to achieve. Your help now can keep the Food Shed Co-op strong and open for the future—so we can continue serving our community, grow our sales, and reach true financial stability with the support of our owners.

Yes. While we’ll always welcome donations, our goal is to raise $250,000 by March 31, 2026 through a combination of donations and the sale of Preferred Shares at $1,000 each. Fundraising takes time and energy from both Board and staff—resources we need to focus on growing the business and achieving true financial stability. A capital campaign is essential right now, but our long-term goal is for the co-op to thrive without future cash infusions.

Anyone can support the Food Shed Co-op with either a direct contribution or a tax-deductible donation. Illinois residents also have the option to invest locally through Preferred Shares. Under Illinois cooperative law, adult residents may purchase up to 10 total shares.

• Preferred Shares: Adult Illinois residents may purchase preferred shares at $1,000 each. Existing Food Shed owners may hold up to 10 total shares—typically 2 common shares plus up to 8 preferred shares—helping strengthen the co-op while earning potential financial benefits.
• Loans: If you’re able and interested in making an interest-bearing loan to help strengthen the Food Shed Co-op, we’d love to talk with you. Please contact us at [email protected]. Loans begin at $10,000 and may be made in $1,000 increments. Your support can make a meaningful difference for our community-owned store.

You can CLICK HERE to use our online pledge form!

Contact [email protected] with your contact information and we will setup a call with one of our investment campaign members, provide you with the documentation and answer any questions. Or you can CLICK HERE to use our online pledge form!

Yes, if you are an owner of the Food Shed Co-op you are eligible to purchase up to 8 Preferred Shares of stock and also extend a loan. Non-owners are not eligible to make a loan but they can purchase up to 10 Preferred Shares of stock. Both options require residence in Illinois.

Here’s how you can make the biggest impact, in order of importance:

1. Shop regularly and make the Food Shed part of your weekly grocery routine.
2. Give a direct donation.
3. Make a tax-deductible gift through our fiscal sponsor.
4. Purchase Preferred Shares (up to the maximum allowed under Illinois law).
5. Consider an owner loan to the co-op.

Like any business investment, there is risk. However, your investment supports a real, community-owned grocery with a thoughtful plan to reach financial stability. We encourage all potential investors to carefully review our offering materials and fully understand both the risks and the potential benefits before investing. We’re happy to answer questions and help you make an informed decision.

Yes. You may name a joint holder on your investment documents and also designate a beneficiary. If the co-op is notified of a member’s passing, the investment can be transferred to the designated beneficiary according to the completed forms. We’re happy to help you set this up.

Thanks for asking! Every bit of support helps. Here are a few powerful ways to pitch in:

• Encourage your friends, co-workers, and neighbors to become an owner and shop at the Food Shed Co-op: https://www.foodshed.coop/
• Volunteer with us: https://www.foodshed.coop/volunteer
• Like, share, and comment on our social media posts to help spread the word.
  https://www.facebook.com/foodshedcoop
  https://www.instagram.com/stories/foodshedcoop

Preferred Shares are stock that could yield annual dividends. Any Illinois resident can participate and buy up to 10 total Food Shed Co-op shares at $1,000 per share. Outside of donations, Preferred Shares are the most co-op friendly way to invest in the Food Shed Co-op and should be considered a long-term investment (15+ years). They can yield annual dividends but like most stock investments, there is risk and no guarantees.

Dividend distributions on the Preferred Shares will be made at the Board’s discretion. The dividend rates applicable to your Shares depends on the investment amount. Dividends have target rates of up to 5%. However, in any given year the Board, in its discretion, may choose to distribute a smaller amount or no amount at all based on the financial performance of the co-op in any given year.

The Shares may not be sold to third parties. Instead, they may only be sold back to the Co-op, subject to the Board’s approval. The Co-op does not plan to redeem Shares before the Co-op becomes profitable and all loans are repaid, which may occur 15 years from the date of investment, but it is not guaranteed.

Yes, but to be an owner, you need to retain two shares of common stock. Any additional common shares that you have purchased can be seamlessly converted to preferred shares. Through a streamlined process in this campaign, the Co-op will purchase back additional common shares and then apply the funds to the purchase of preferred shares.

Loans are a 15-year investment with interest rates up to 4% based on the amount of the loan. Loans are available to Food Shed Co-op Owners only who want to make a large investment, $10,000 or more.

Any person or business who wants to support the Food Shed Co-op can donate through the options located on our donations webpage. Tax deductible options are available.