The Co-op issues a Patronage Refund to Members in profitable years; the full amount is determined by the Board and is calculated as a percentage of Member sales. Here is a really great video explanation!
The Littleton Food Coop Board of Directors declared a $87,435 Patronage Rebate for fiscal year 2024. This Patronage will be distributed to all of our Co-op’s Member Owners in proportion to their purchases in 2023. The Board also decided to retain 50% of that Patronage to reinvest in your Co-op, which is typical. If you are eligible, a portion of the rebate will be linked to your Member Number as a merchandise discount, beginning on or about October 10.
FAQ’s
What is a Patronage Rebate?
- Patronage Rebates are determined by the Net Income of the Co-op in a given year, as a way for the Co-op to share its earnings with Members.
- Each year the Board of Directors votes on whether to issue a Patronage Rebate, based on the Net Income of the previous year.
- This is one of the most powerful tax benefits we derive from being a Cooperative. Co-ops are allowed to distribute the net income earned from sales to Members, as a rebate to Members. The Co-op does not pay taxes on this amount. Nor is your share considered taxable income, since it’s essentially a deferred price reduction on purchases you’ve already made.
- Patronage dividends celebrate Cooperative Principle #3 – Member Economic Participation. The more you shop at Littleton Co-op, the higher the patronage dividend will be!
How is the Patronage Rebate Calculated?
- The 2023 Patronage Rebate is $87,435.
- 50% ($43,717) will be distributed among our Members as a Patronage Refunds.
- 50% ($43,718) will be retained by the Co-op as capital.
How do I know if I qualify for a 2023 Patronage Rebate?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a current Member of Littleton Food Co-op;
- Have owned at least 1 Member Share between 1/1/2023 and 12/30/2023;
- Be in good standing with the Co-op; ie, your Membership has not ever been revoked or refunded due to disagreement or belligerent behavior.
Also:
- The more you shopped at the Co-op between 1/1/2023 and 12/30/2023, the higher your Patronage Refund will be.
- Qualifying Members with rebates (including funds accumulated from previous years) greater than $7.30 will receive a letter in the mail in October 2024 notifying them that they have Patronage funds available to them.
- All available funds from Patronage Dividend Rebates will be applied as a credit to Members’ accounts. Your cashier can look it up in our system.
How do I use my Patronage Rebate?
- Rebates are redeemable at Littleton Food Co-op and have been applied as a credit to your account.
- When making a purchase, let your cashier know that you would like to use your rebate.
- We encourage you to donate your rebate to the Littleton Food Co-op Community Fund (LFCCF).
- If your rebate is $50.00 or more you may request payment by check. Contact Minnie Cushing at mcushing@littletoncoop.org.
What is the Littleton Food Co-op Community Fund?
- LFCCF is a non-profit 501c3 that allows Co-op Members and shoppers to contribute to an endowment that donates to local non-profit organizations.
- The Co-op earns interest from this Fund, which is then donated to a local organization each year.
- For more information about LFCCF, click here.
What if I have a more in-depth question about Patronage?
Please reach out to info@littletoncoop.org for general questions. You may also speak with Minnie Cushing in our Finance Department during weekday business hours. If she’s not available, one of our staff can take a message, or you can email her at mcushing@littletoncoop.org.
