Co-ops are part of the local community. Employees live and work in the local community. As part of the community, co-ops try to operate in a responsible, quiet and considerate manner. Co-ops
return their earnins to local members, either in equity or cash. In
either case the money stays in the local community. That means shopping
at a co-op: helps to strengthen the local economy. keeps profits at home. provides employment and stability for people in the local community. Being locally owned and controlled means that co-ops are there to meet the needs of local residents, not outside investors. Co-ops
believe in giving back to the community and typically support a wide
range of charitable and community organizations that contribute to the
social, cultural and recreational needs of the community. Co-op employees are encouraged to volunteer with local community organizations. Each individual co-op has its own way of contributing to the quality of life in its home community