What the Park Slope Food Coop Is

The Park Slope Food Coop is a member-owned grocery store in Brooklyn, New York, where shoppers buy shares and work shifts to keep the store running. You do not buy from the coop the way you buy from a supermarket — instead, you become a member, pay an initial fee, commit to working roughly three hours per month, and then shop at member prices that are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than conventional grocery stores.

The coop has been operating since 1973 and is one of the largest food cooperatives in the United States. It is located at 60 Ninth Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The store is closed to non-members; only people who have completed the membership process can enter and shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Membership requires an initial payment (currently around $25 to $50, though this varies) plus a working commitment of roughly three hours per month for the life of your membership.
  • New members must attend an orientation session and complete a trial shift before they can begin shopping, a process that typically takes one to two weeks.
  • Member prices are significantly lower than supermarket prices because labor costs are covered by member work rather than payroll.
  • If you stop working your shifts, the coop will eventually suspend your membership, though you can request a leave of absence for temporary situations.
  • The coop operates by consensus decision-making, meaning major policy changes are voted on by the membership.

How to Become a Member

To join, you first contact the coop by phone or through their website to sign up for an orientation session. Orientations are held regularly and last about two hours. During orientation, you learn how the coop operates, what your work shift will involve, and what the rules are for members.

After orientation, you are assigned a trial shift — a three-hour work period where you work alongside an experienced member to learn the job. This shift is unpaid and is part of the membership process. Once you complete your trial shift, you pay the membership fee and become an active member. From that point forward, you work one shift per month (roughly three hours) and can shop at member prices whenever the store is open.

The membership fee covers your share in the coop and gives you voting rights on major decisions. The fee is not refundable if you leave, though some coops allow you to transfer your membership to another person.

What Your Work Shift Involves

Member shifts fall into different departments: produce, dairy, checkout, receiving, cleaning, and others. When you sign up for your monthly shift, you choose which department you want to work in, subject to availability. The coop tries to match members to shifts they prefer, but during busy times you may be assigned where you are needed most.

A typical shift involves stocking shelves, helping customers find items, operating the register, unloading trucks, or cleaning the store. You are expected to arrive on time and stay for the full three hours. If you cannot make a shift, you are responsible for finding someone to cover it or requesting a postponement in advance.

Members who do not work their shifts for an extended period (the exact timeline varies) receive warnings and eventually have their membership suspended. You can request a temporary leave of absence if you have a medical issue, are traveling, or have another reason you cannot work for a while.

Member Prices and What You Save

The coop's prices are lower than supermarket prices because members provide the labor. Instead of paying employees, the coop passes those savings to members in the form of lower prices on groceries. The exact savings depend on the item — some products are marked up less than others — but members typically report spending 20 to 40 percent less than they would at a conventional grocery store.

The coop sells both conventional and organic produce, bulk items, dairy, meat, prepared foods, and household goods. Many items are sourced from local farms and producers when possible. Prices are posted on shelf tags, and members can see the markup percentage on each item.

You do not need to spend a minimum amount per visit, and there is no membership renewal fee beyond the initial payment. Your membership remains active as long as you work your shifts and follow coop rules.

How Decisions Are Made at the Coop

The Park Slope Food Coop operates by consensus, meaning major decisions are made through a voting process that involves the membership. Members can attend general meetings, propose new policies, and vote on changes to how the coop runs. This includes decisions about what products to stock, how much to charge, and what the work requirements should be.

Because decisions are made by members rather than by a corporate office, the coop can be slower to change than a conventional store, but members have a direct say in how their grocery store operates. If you want to influence how the coop runs, you can attend meetings, join a committee, or propose changes yourself.

Rules and Expectations for Members

Members are expected to follow a code of conduct that includes treating other members and staff respectfully, not bringing outside food or drink into the store, and not shopping during another member's shift (to avoid crowding). The coop has a dispute resolution process for members who violate these rules, and serious violations can result in membership suspension or termination.

The coop also has policies about what you can and cannot do during your shift — for example, you cannot use your phone for personal reasons while working, and you must follow the instructions of your shift leader. These rules exist to keep the store running smoothly and to may support that all members are treated fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a work shift?

You are responsible for finding a replacement or requesting a postponement before your shift. If you miss shifts without notice or without arranging coverage, the coop will eventually suspend your membership. You can request a temporary leave of absence if you have a legitimate reason you cannot work for a period of time.

Can I shop at the coop if I am not a member?

No. The coop is open only to members. Non-members cannot enter the store or purchase items. This is one of the core features of the cooperative model — the store is owned and operated by the people who shop there.

What if I move away or no longer want to be a member?

You can resign your membership at any time. Your membership fee is not refunded, but you can transfer your membership to another person in some cases. Once you resign, you lose access to the store and member prices.

How much does membership cost?

The initial membership fee varies and has changed over time. You can contact the coop directly to find out the current fee. There is no annual renewal fee — you pay once and remain a member as long as you work your shifts.

Can I do my work shift with a family member or friend?

No. Each member must work their own shift. You cannot have someone else work on your behalf, though you can arrange for another member to cover your shift if you cannot make it.