Economic Solidarity

The High Falls Food Co-op has a strong commitment to food justice. To ensure that everyone in our community—regardless of financial situation—can access our healthful, sustainably-sourced food, we created the Solidarity Fund to help people who can’t afford the full price of co-op shares. We also have a Food for All discount program for members who need help at the cash register in times of financial stress. Scroll down to read about the Food for All discount.

The Solidarity Fund: Members helping members join the co-op.

The High Falls Food Co-op invites you to choose your member share option based on your income and financial situation, so we can build economic solidarity within our community. The Solidarity Fund is made up of donations from members. All shares cost $200. However, the Co-op invites members to select the option that best reflects their financial situation. Click here to make a donation to the Solidarity Fund.

Please keep in mind that your equity purchase is a one-time cost, not an annual fee. Click here if you’re ready to choose your share option.

EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL NEED

  • My income level makes it difficult to meet my basic needs.

  • I have debts that prohibit me from meeting my basic needs.

  • I receive public assistance.

  • I have significant eduational expenses and/or student debt.

  • Housing is my biggest expense, or I have unstable housing.

  • I find it difficult to afford reliable, necessary transportation.

  • I have limited or no savings and I support dependents.

  • I have limited or no discretionary income.

  • I have ongoing medical expenses and limited access to health care.

  • I am a senior or a person with a disablity solely supported by a fixed income from SSI or SSDI.

  • I cannot afford to take time off from work.

  • My earning power is impeded by my immigration status, gender, race, disability, incarceration history, level of education, and/or class background.

Every financial situation is unique and personal.  

We have assembled the following lists to describe different kinds of financial situations. This is not meant to be used as a checklist, but it may help you determine what level of membership support you can provide. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive community.  

EXAMPLES OF REASONABLE INCOME

  • I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them.

  • I have some debt but it does not prohibit me from meeting my basic needs.

  • Rent/mortgage is a significant expense but I am able to pay it regularly.

  • I have access to daily, reliable transportation.

  • I have savings or access to family/friend financial support in times of need.

  • I occasionally have discretionary income. description

  • I can pay for healthcare and some ongoing medical expenses.

  • I can take a vacation or time off from work without financial burden.

  • My earning power is not significantly impeded by my immigration status, gender, race, disability, incarceration history, level of education, and/or class background

Food for All: A discount program to help member-owners through hard times.

The Food for All program is designed to make wholesome food and eco-friendly products more affordable for members in need. We recognize that members can face financial problems at any time. To assist members with need, our Food for All initiative will provide a 10% discount on all purchases, on an annually-renewable basis. Participants must be current members in order to qualify for the Food for All Discount.

Both new and existing Co-op members can qualify for Food for All if they currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, TANF (Cash Assistance), WIC, SSDI, SSI or Military Disability, or through a self-selection process where a member determines for themselves that they are in need of assistance using the guidelines listed above for the solidarity Fund. The Co-op is sensitive to individual privacy and holds a collective belief that there shouldn’t be additional verification barriers for those who are seeking support. Members can sign up here, or pick up a Food for All card in the store. You will receive notice of your Food for All discount within 24 to 48 hours. It will be applied automatically when participants present their membership cards at the cash register, without a need to say anything to the cashier. Sign up for the Food for All Discount.

EXAMPLES OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY

  • I can comfortably meet all my basic needs.

  • I have no debt or my debt is manageable.

  • I own/lease a car or have access to transportation without financial stress.

  • I have savings, investments, a retirement account, or access to family/friend financial support.

  • I have discretionary income.

  • I can comfortably afford healthcare and medical expenses.

  • I can afford to regularly travel and/or take vacations.

  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power unimpeded by my immigration status, gender, race, disability, incarceration history, level of education, and/or class background