FAQ (or Q’s you may have)

Top Q #1: Are you guys still operating right now?

Absolutely!

Top Q #2: Can I order smaller quantities or only in bulk?

Smaller quantities are the default. I answered this question more fully in a video here so you can see example bag sizes. But the answer is that NO, you do NOT have to order in bulk! But you can if you want to. :)

 

Top Q #3: How do I order what I want?

We have a secret shopping site that is ONLY for members and is super easy to use. Watch the video below to see how you order in our shop.

 

Is the co-op zero-waste?

Waste is a systemic issue far bigger than the co-op, but we’re eliminating or avoiding as much waste as humanly possible. We work specifically with vendors that send out waste-free or reused packaging, most of our bulk foods come in triple-layer paper bags that are recyclable and/or compostable, and then there are the OTHER foods that only come in plastic. For those bulk foods that come in one large plastic bag (and ONLY are available in plastic), you can see our latest initiative in the video below.

Also please note that the bags we give to members with your foods are food safe and certified backyard compostable. If you don’t have compost at home, simply return the empty bags to us so we can make sure they are composted!

Spoiler alert from the video: Those limited bulk plastic bags are now being used to collect beach trash! So we’re using the small amount of what could have been trash, to clean up trash. That feels really good!

 

How long has the co-op been around?

We officially opened to the public on September 12, 2019!

How did you get started?

I (Éva Raposa writing this, hello!) have been ordering in bulk with Elio at Vineyard Grocer since around 2010, then often sharing dry and prepared foods with friends and family.

After years of floating the co-op question, I asked Elio if he would be able to help in any way. For the near future, he’s offered us a very reasonably priced lease in the Southern Woodlands Community. That will be our eventual retail location, and we hope to be in the location by mid-2022. (Note: The SWC is located on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Rd almost directly across from the high school & currently in the pre-build approval process.)

In the early 2019, we brainstormed to see how we might kick-start the co-op NOW rather than wait until the retail co-op is built and opened. So this is why we’re offering pickups 3-4 weeks of every month right now. Currently, we give you the option for home delivery, Thursday evening pickup, or Saturday afternoon pickup.

Where are you located?

Our office is at 15 Merchant’s Ct. #25, in Vineyard Haven. We’re in the same building as Rymes Propane’s office and in the same area as the Black Dog Bakery Café with the train in front. Due to the current dynamics, our space is not currently open to the public.

What kind of foods are available?

We’re offering items that are either zero waste or are bulk foods that at least offer lower waste. These are a few of the items we have available at different times. Typically there are 80-130 total items available each week. NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE OFFERED AT COST & EXACT DETAILS VARY EACH MONTH, depending on availability and member votes.

  • Baking Products:

    • Organic, New England-Grown Maine Grains - pretty much the whole line. They are awesome. Check ‘em out!

    • Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Chips (organic ingredients include cacao butter, cacao powder, cane sugar)

  • Dried Fruits:

    • Organic: Figs, Raisins, Prunes, Apricots, & Dates

  • Grains:

    • Organic: Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Rolled Oats, Whole Wheat & Regular Penne Pasta, White & Tri-Color Quinoa, Rice (Arborio, Basmati, Jasmine, Brown, Wild Blend, Sushi), and more

  • Herbs/Teas/Spices/Coffee:

    • Whole & Organic: Caraway, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Yellow Mustard Seed, and more - MANY OPTIONS right now!

    • Organic Eco Teas: (Caffeine-Free) Rooibos Chai Rooibos, Yerba Mate, Tulsi/Holy Basil, Chamomile.

    • Coffee by MA-based Dean’s Beans. We love them and offer several favorites + sometimes also have their chocolate discs. YUM YUM YUM!

  • Legumes:

    • Organic Beans: Adzuki, Black, Garbanzo, Kidney, Pinto

    • Organic Lentils: French Green, Red, Red Split

    • Organic Peas: Black Eyed, Green Split, Yellow Split

  • Nuts & Seeds:

    • Organic: Almonds, Cashews, Chia Seeds, Shredded Coconut, Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts

Are your foods organic?

Almost 100% of the foods we offer are organic. The only exceptions are salt and island honey, which cannot be certified organic due to the range of honey bees.

Beyond food, what else do you have?

Our non-food items are carefully curated zero-waste personal products, including:

  • Dropps biodegradable & plastic-free laundry detergent

  • Dropps super-eco, dishwasher detergent

  • Toilet paper, not packaged in plastic & 100% recycled + made in the USA + Green Seal Certified

  • No Tox Life’s lip balm and Dish Washing Blocks (plastic free for both + palm oil free + vegan!)

  • Quite a few other self-care options, like body soaps and biodegradable floss (in a reusable glass container!).

  • What else would you like to see? Members are very welcome to put in your requests!

Is the co-op a legally recognized 501(c)3 organization?

Not yet, but we’re working on it! Once paperwork is submitted, it takes anywhere from 4 to 18 months for a non-profit organization to receive approval.

How can you offer everything at cost?

The expenses are super low, and our markup only covers actual expenses. We have a mix of part-time team members and member volunteers who make it all happen. Also, Elio at Vineyard Grocer is allowing us to use his wholesale pricing AND transporting our orders to the island with his orders. At no cost! He won’t do it forever, but he’s been an angel to us as we are budding!

The more members we have, the faster we can grow.

Spread the word,
Join in, &
Let’s do this!

P.S. You can JOIN THE CO-OP HERE, check our our EVENTS HERE, and CONTACT US HERE.