Our Mission Statement- Fiddleheads Cooperative offers our community a member owned market. We are dedicated to providing a resource for wholesome natural foods, organic and locally fresh produce and products which are cruelty-free, developed through fair trade and with a commitment to preserving our environment. We promote healthier life choices in a service friendly atmosphere where members are a valued and essential part of our success.
Fiddleheads strives to educate our members and patrons about the benefits of organic and whole foods as well as creating a closer connection to food sources. We are committed to strengthening our community through education, social outreach programs, and food bank donations. We honor the earth by supporting and promoting environmentally responsible products, business practices and sustainable agriculture.
What are the benefits of membership?
By becoming a member you become an owner of our coop. This means you get a vote on how we operate our business, the types of food we carry, policies and more. You receive a discount on most purchases and a pre-order discount on prepaid case purchases. You also become part of a group that supports environmental awareness, human rights, and humane treatment of animals and actively brings people together to support these principals and our community needs. While the coop is open to the public, members receive additional discounts and in times of profit, a year-end membership dividend.
Am I required to work at the coop?
No. Members are not required to work in the coop. However, we encourage members to work and those who work at least five hours a month receive a 5% discount in the subsequent month and those who work 10 hours a month get a 10% discount in the subsequent month. Currently the coop has no employees and runs entirely on volunteer labor.
Can my business or organization join the coop?
Yes. We offer special pre-order rates for our business partner members. Current business partner members include Mangetout, Two Wives Pizza, and Bread and Cookies.
What is the tax status of the coop?
We are not a non-profit organization. We are classified by the state of Connecticut as a Not For Profit Business. This means that the membership will vote on educational programs and non-profit organizations, which will be funded with any profits made by the coop after business expenses are paid.
How can I pay for my membership?
We encourage members can pay for their membership in full to help with the costs of operating our coop. However, we are happy to accept payment of $25 to obtain member stock and allow the balance of $150 (membership fee) to be paid in installments of $25. Membership fees are fully refundable except for the $25 stock fee. We also have an option to pay $10.00 a month until the full membership cost is met.
When is the coop open?
The coop is now open Monday thru Saturday.
Where is the coop?
13 Broad Street, New London at the intersection of Broad and Huntington Streets. It formerly housed the California Fruit grocery store.
Why did it take so long to get the coop open?
The funds to open a coop must be raised from the ground up. While a coop can borrow money, it must have collateral in the form of equipment, and cash raised from members. We have received generous donations of volunteer time and equipment that have helped us open the coop. We need to raise more money to complete the renovations and be ready to employ staff to operate the coop as a fulltime full service grocery coop.
What can I do to help?
Join today and tell a friend or several friends and your family to join and help complete our. We are also always looking for members to take part in committees, events, assist with renovation projects, and operate the coop. We are always looking for volunteers to help with many tasks. Volunteer to share you strengths, abilities, time and expertise. Email our volunteer coordinator at volunteerwithfiddleheads@gmail.com