About Shared Harvest: An Elgin Food Co-op

Vision

We, the community owners of Shared Harvest, seek to open a cooperatively-owned grocery store in or adjacent to downtown Elgin, to provide fresh, healthful, food that is primarily organic and/or locally produced.

Mission Statement 

Shared Harvest will be a cooperatively owned grocery in the heart of Elgin that links consumers to affordable, healthy, locally-produced food, fosters sustainable agriculture, and contributes to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the Elgin community.

The Co-op Difference

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

Shared Harvest represents over 1000 member households in Elgin and its surrounding region who are committed to meeting our community’s needs for healthy food, support for our local economy, and a sustainably-based alternative to corporate supermarkets. 

You don’t have to be an owner/member to shop at the co-op — everyone will be welcome! Typical co-op ownership includes profit sharing through patronage dividends, and perks like owner discounts and coupons. Currently, Shared Harvest owners elect our board of directors and have an equal voice in ballot initiatives (one member, one vote). This democratic approach to business results in a powerful economic force that benefits the co-op, its members and the communities it serves. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our “What is a Co-op” page for answers to common questions about Shared Harvest ownership, benefits of food co-ops and  and its surrounding region who are committed to meeting our community’s needs for healthy food, support for our local economy, and a sustainably-based alternative to corporate supermarkets.