During this national celebration of the cooperative model, we highlight what makes Co-ops special – the owners! When you become an owner of the Co-op, you invest in access to local, natural, organic, and fair-trade foods in downtown Marquette. You’re supporting food education and cooking classes, more sustainable business practices, and the growth of the local economy. Thank you for your support!

  • "It’s really fulfilling to shop here (and work here) as younger people. A lot of people our age are disappointed in the world that we’ve been left with. It feels like there aren’t many good options left that don’t make you feel guilty, whether it’s seeing CEOs taking advantage of employees or farmers being underpaid, etc. It’s hard to get those things out of your head. But then you see a place like the Co-op that’s genuinely trying its best and realize this model can really exist. At first, it seemed almost too good to be true, but the claims real! The things they talk about and support… they’re actually doing those things! We feel better buying from a store that’s out there doing good. The Co-op is putting its money back into the community and working to build a more sustainable system."

    —Brendan Carroll & Julia Basten, MFC Owners since 2024

  • "Purchasing food is political. I pay attention to where businesses put their money and try to stay away from companies that support things that don’t align with my beliefs and invest in those that are compassionate and community oriented. The Co-op does so much for our community, like working with (instead of against) its homeless neighbors and providing educational programming in local schools. It’s great to see, because where your money goes is where the power goes. I see money as a form of energy, so we need to be putting those dollars into areas that have more of a positive impact."

    —Suzanne York, MFC Owner since 2002 

  • "We’ve been shopping here for nearly 20 years, so it’s been really cool to see it evolve in that time. Our kids, who are teenagers now, grew up coming here. It’s been really fun seeing the evolution of their interests and their relationship with the store, too. Our oldest drives now, and will tell me she’s swinging by the Co-op for sushi and a fun drink. It will always be a familiar place for them. For them, it’s created memories and is a good example of establishing roots in this community. When they go other places, they’ll have these expectations and find their own local spots, but for now, this is it."

    —The Derwin Family (T.J., Ruby, Sarah & Adeline), MFC Owners since 2008

  • "I come in quite often for the hot bar. I grab it on my way to work, and it’s a nice start to my day. It’s hot, ready to eat, and is something different every day. I am always learning about new products, like the vegan protein crumble as a substitute for beef or just having great conversations in the hot bar line with other shoppers. The Owner Rewards program is great, too, because every once in a while, I’ll go to pay for my lunch and it’s free."

    —Larry Hoevker, MFC Owner since 2025

  • "The Co-op is our healthcare plan. It has clean, healthy food that fuels our lifestyle. When we eat local and organic food, we feel better and perform better. We’re ingredient people and cook all of our own food at home, and everything we need is here — all the specialty items we eat like duck eggs, tinned fish, organic vegetables, gluten free breads… the Co-op has it all. And if they don’t have something we want, the staff will work to get it on the shelf. You know they’re listening and that we have a genuine voice here."

    —Emma & Harry Gandhi, MFC Owners since 2022

Become an owner today!

In honor of Co-op Month, we are offering weekly raffles in October that relate to our Ends Statements. The Ends are guiding principles set by our board that our organization strives to achieve.

A stylized blueberry with green leaves and concentric circles in orange and blue around it.
A stylized, colorful fruit icon with two green leaves on top, surrounded by orange and blue circles.
A stylized, cartoonish blueberry with two green leaves, surrounded by concentric blue and orange rings.

Week 1 | October 1-6

Prioritizing local food & organic food systems.

Win a Winter CSA share from Seeds & Spores Family Farm in Marquette.
Enjoy four weekly boxes of produce in the month of November.

Week 2 | October 7-13

Focusing on sustainable environmental outcomes.

Win a six-month subscription for curbside compost pickup from Partridge Creek Compost. PCC offers compost collection in Marquette, Trowbridge Park, Harvey, Negaunee, and Ishpeming

Week 3 | October 14-20

Supporting an equitable shopping experience.

Win a $100 donation to a nonprofit of your choice! Winner will also be treated to lunch at the Co-op.

Week 4 | October 21-27

Promoting cooperative growth opportunities.

Win two tickets to the Hiawatha Music Co-op’s 2027 Traditional Music Festival.