MercShare At The Merc Co+op, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, high-quality foods and products that support a robust and sustainable local food economy as well as a community based on hospitality, generosity and care for the environment. As a consumer-owned co-op we welcome all community members to buy a share in the business and actively engage in the democratic business model. To further encourage and assist in that, MercShare and MercShare+ was designed, allowing us to reduce the cost barriers to ownership and healthful eating, and to provide owners with practical solutions that don’t sacrifice their values or their budget. Co-op shoppers currently enrolled in the Kansas Food Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps, SNAP) and/or Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are eligible for the MercShare ownership subsidy; and, co-op owners are eligible for MercShare+, a 10% discount on all purchases.
MercShare In 2007, a generous gift from the late Carol Nalbandian, an owner and board member, established the MercShare program. MercShare helps shoppers currently receiving food assistance experience the benefits of co-op ownership by providing a scholarship for a portion of the cost of a share in The Merc Co+op. MercShare applicants are responsible for making a one-time $10 investment towards ownership. The co-op subsidizes the additional $65 to complete the full $75 cost of a share in the co-op. MercShare owners receive the same rights and benefits as all other owners. Since 2007, MercShare has helped to fund over 180 owner shares for those who demonstrate financial hardship.
MercShare+ All co-op owners currently receiving food assistance (listed above) are also eligible for MercShare+, an everyday discount of 10% applied automatically each time they make a purchase.
Application Co-op owners currently enrolled in the Kansas Food Assistance Program and/or WIC are eligible for our ownership subsidy and 10% everyday discount. To apply for MercShare and/or MercShare+, you will need the following: ❑❑ Completed MercShare/MercShare+ Application (available online and at our Customer Service Desk) ❑❑ Proof of qualifying benefits (letter, card or form from assistance program(s) Complete the application and submit it with your proof of qualifying benefits to a co-op cashier or e-mail your materials to ownerservices@themerc.coop. Your application will be processed within 7-10 business days.
Funding In addition to co-op funds, the employees of The Merc Co+op are the chief contributors, collectively donating the cost of one share every pay period. Several past recipients of MercShare have elected to voluntarily repay their ownership subsidy, and many owners include the MercShare program in their annual charitable giving. To donate to MercShare, speak with a co-op cashier.
Additional Information Traditionally, ownership shares are fully refundable at any time. The only difference between a traditional ownership and MercShare ownership is that MercShare recipients may not redeem their share until two years past the date of application. MercShare recipients granted ownership prior to March 1, 2016 are exempt from the two-year redemption requirement. A MercShare ownership subsidy may be received no more than one time per person. MercShare+ recipients must reapply for the 10% discount each year beginning one year from enrollment. At renewal, applicants must show current proof of qualifying benefits.
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good. local. food.
MercShare At The Merc Co+op, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, high-quality foods and products that support a robust and sustainable local food economy as well as a community based on hospitality, generosity and care for the environment. As a consumer-owned co-op we welcome all community members to buy a share in the business and actively engage in the democratic business model. To further encourage and assist in that, MercShare and MercShare+ was designed, allowing us to reduce the cost barriers to ownership and healthful eating, and to provide owners with practical solutions that don’t sacrifice their values or their budget. Co-op shoppers currently enrolled in the Kansas Food Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps, SNAP) and/or Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are eligible for the MercShare ownership subsidy; and, co-op owners are eligible for MercShare+, a 10% discount on all purchases.
1.
FULL NAME OWNER # TODAY’S DATE
Please complete the following information.
ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP
PHONE E-MAIL
2.
Please select the co-op benefits you wish to apply for.
3.
Please include the following documents.
4. OFFICE USE ONLY
Please allow up to 7-10 business days to process application.
❑❑ MercShare Ownership (if already an owner, there is no need to apply for ownership) • $10 applicant investment, $65 co-op subsidy • Ownership share redeemable two years from application date ❑❑ MercShare+ Discount Participant • 10% discount on all purchases • Must renew each year beginning one year from enrollment (today’s date listed above)
❑❑ Attach a copy of current Kansas Food Assistance Program and/or WIC benefits form(s) or card(s) with your application. ❑❑ Attach a register receipt documenting a sale using a qualifying benefits card.
The Owner Services Coordinator will contact the applicant with information regarding MercShare ownership benefits and/or the MercShare+ discount.
HEAD CASHIER: Make photocopy of eligibility form(s) or card(s), attach to application and turn in to Owner Services. OWNER SERVICES: If approved, assign share number, complete ownership paperwork, contact applicant with approval informaton and leave forms for applicant to sign at CSD.
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INITIALS OF HEAD CASHIER
❑❑ APPROVED DATE OF APPROVAL: ____________________ ❑❑ NOT APPROVED REASON: ______________________________
good. local. food.