The Lexington Food Cooperative envisions a democratically controlled food enterprise that:

• Is not reliant on the capital of one or a few individuals, avoiding traditional investor-driven ownership structures
  
  

• Emphasizes collective responsibility and shared risk
  
  

• Provides a buffer against profiteering, instead prioritizing community resilience and mutual benefit

A classic cooperative model has the following characteristics, however we are exploring other models such as a public-private partnership or a governmental-civic organization:

Initial funding comes from member-owner share purchases, not large corporations. A share is a small one-time purchase. It is not a fee and does not recur. Half shares will also be available.

• Member-owners are paid dividends when the store becomes profitable.

• Each member-owner gets one vote in the election of a Board of Directors and referendums (regardless of # of shares owned).

• Member-ownership is optional! Anyone can shop at the store and the Co-op will buy back shares if you move or change your mind as long as the Co-op has the financial ability to do so.

• Our founding and guiding principles are built on environmental, economic, social, and ethical justice principles rooted in respecting diversity in all of life.