Return on Investment

For members of a food co-op, the return on investment" (ROI) is primarily about the benefits they receive as users and owners of the business, rather than maximizing financial profits for external investors. While traditional businesses focus on ROI for shareholders, a food co-op prioritizes meeting the needs of its member-owners.

Access to Fresh, Healthy, and Affordable Food

This is often the primary and most tangible benefit, especially in areas classified as "food deserts" like Downtown Helena, where access to nutritious options is limited or requires significant travel. Members have a direct say in the type and quality of food stocked.

Community Ownership and Agency

Members are literally owners who invest in and help plan and govern the store. This provides a voice in the decision making.

This democratic control means the co-op's priorities are aligned with community needs, not external corporate shareholder profits.

One benefit of small town co-ops is that it is possible to ask everyone, “Hey, what kind of store do you want in your neighborhood?”

Social Connectedness

A co-op isn't a store or a business, it's a group of people. These people come together to work on a problem in the community. This process creates, promotes, fosters, and strengthens relationships in the community, which can lead to better health outcomes. (See references.)