Why is the Co-op making these changes?

We vow to provide “Access to healthful, local and high-quality food” in our Ends Statement. We need to think about everything that the word “accessible” really means. The fact of the matter is that a large portion of the Davis population live in poverty** and could use help purchasing their groceries. They deserve healthful and local food and the Co-op’s Community Discount can help them achieve that.

** Research and data findings can be found at the bottom of this webpage

What does this mean for people currently receiving

the 5% Senior Discount?

Starting on October 1, 2023, the 5% Senior Discount will no longer be applied. Instead, the 10% Community Discount will be offered to eligible needs-based Member-Owners, regardless of age.

Current shoppers receiving the Senior Discount are encouraged to see if they qualify for the Community Discount and apply prior to October to receive the Community Discount when it becomes active on October 1st. Our full list of qualifying factors can be found on this webpage, along with a link to submit an application. Applications can also be submitted at our Customer Service Desk.

What does this mean for people currently receiving

the 5% Community Discount?

Starting on October 1, 2023, current Community Discount recipients will automatically begin receiving the new 10% Community Discount. 

Who is eligible for the new Community Discount?

To be eligible for the new Community Discount, applicants must be a current Member-Owner in good standing, fill out an application and show proof of ONE of the following eligibility requirements: 

• Proof of current enrollment as a college student (class schedule, transcript, etc – student ID does not count)

   

• Proof of individual annual income below $36,450 (This is calculated as 2.5x the current Federal Poverty Level for individual annual income***. Proof can include a paystub or tax form)
  *** The Federal Poverty Level in 2023 is $14,580
  

   

• Proof of enrollment in a low-income assistance program including, but not limited to:

CALFRESH/ SNAP, WIC, EBT, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), Disability Benefits and Assistance Programs, Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Medi-Cal/ Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

What is the application process for the new Community Discount?

If you meet any of the listed eligibility requirements, you can apply for the program with these steps: 

1. Become a Member-Owner (if you are not already) of the Davis Food Co-op: Activating Membership requires an initial $10 investment and $5 activation fee. After the first year of membership, an additional $20 investment will be required each year until you reach $300 of total equity invested***
   ***This investment is fully redeemable at any time. Learn more about what it means to be a Member-Owner of the Co-op and all of its additional benefits here

    

2. Fill out a Community Discount Application and provide proof of eligibility:  You can fill out your application and submit your supporting document by clicking the “APPLY FOR THE DISCOUNT HERE” button on this webpage or by visiting our Customer Service Desk 
3. Wait up to 72 hours for confirmation of enrollment. You will be notified by email if you have been successfully enrolled or if we need any additional information. 
4. Resubmit an application and up-to-date documentation once per year. Each year on the anniversary of your enrollment, you will be notified that it is time to submit new current documentation to remain eligible for the Community Discount. Enrollment also requires that your account is in good standing with up-to-date investment fees.

* Discount Exclusions

The following items are excluded from the 10% Community Discount: Tax, CRV, Newspapers, Deposits, Webcart Fees, Bag & Container Fees, Membership Equity & Fees, Coupons, Donations, Stamps, Fixtures, Event Tickets, and Special Orders

** Research & Data Findings

In considering and ultimately making this decision, hundreds of hours were spent by Co-op management and the Board of Directors to research and gather data in the following areas:

• Reviewing financial implications of the Co-op’s current discounts
• Conducting and analyzing Customer Surveys
• Conducting and analyzing Focus Group research with Senior customers
• Research of, and conversations with, fellow grocery co-ops on the topic of low-income shopper assistance programs
• Research of needs-based programs offered in grocery store industry
• Review and analysis of 2022 Hartman Food Sourcing Study and Davis Census Data

Through this research we found:

• Since 2018, the Co-op has seen a 221% increase in use of food assistance programs WIC & EBT
• 26.4% of Davis citizens (nearly 18,000 people) live in poverty as defined by the Census Bureau
• 44% of UC Davis students experience food insecurity
• Over 80% of Seniors currently receiving the Senior Discount have an annual income that would exceed our standards for a “needs-based” discount