Who we are:
Manly Food Co-operative is a community-owned not-for-profit business providing organic, bulk, waste-free shopping as an alternative to mainstream supermarkets. Our guiding principles are:
- To offer reasonably priced fresh, and where possible, organic products
- Wherever possible providing bulk food and zero waste products
- We are open to the public, but anyone can buy a share and become a co-owner of the business. In return for a $5 membership fee a co-owner (member) is entitled to a 10% discount on all goods purchased
Members are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise and become actively involved in the daily running of the store. Those members are rewarded with a further substantial discount on purchases (see “How We Work” below).
Our goals:
- to make available at reasonable cost high, quality food and other goods
- offer the best health option food possible, that is, organic or biodynamic; and if that is not available, offer the next best thing e.g. chemical-free
- offer food that has been produced with environmental sensitivity
- purchase in bulk, thus offering customers the best price available on goods
- avoid waste created by over-packaging by encouraging customers to re-use jars, bags and containers
- be a part of our local community and offer service in an old-fashioned, personal way
- be an active participant in events that help raise awareness of environmental issues
How we work:
Anyone may purchase goods from the co-operative, however, membership entitles the member to a 10% discount on all products. To become a member, a $5 membership fee is paid.
Members who contribute their time and skill are entitled, via a system of “Energy Points” to a discount on all purchases. Each hour of work entitles a member to one Energy Point. 3 Energy Points entitles the member to shop at the co-op for an additional 10% discount. Members who regularly volunteer may become ‘Super Volunteers’ and will receive a total of 25% off their Co-op shopping.
The co-op depends on volunteers to remain viable. Volunteers perform a wide range of tasks such as composting, database management, organising events, rubbish removal, washing tea-towels and general work in the shop.
Amongst the Co-op’s vast membership there is a great range of extraordinary skills. If you have abilities in any area which might help the Co-op, please come forward and get involved in the day-to-day running of our shop, or join the Board and assist with the long-term management of our not-for-profit membership-based community organisation.
If you are interested in becoming a general volunteer, please contact our volunteering@manlyfoodcoop.org.
If you have graphic design, journalistic, or marketing skills we invite you to join our marketing team, please email marketing@manlyfoodcoop.org.
Our Structure:
The Co-op is required to follow a strict set of rules. At the Annual General Meeting each year, up to 8 members are elected to the Board. Directors are elected for a period of 2 years, with half the Board retiring each year.
The Board is responsible for the financial and legal affairs of the co-op, general management and overall policy. They meet monthly and are required to keep minutes of meetings.