Mission and Values

Our cooperative functions with a triple-bottom line of people, planet, & profits.

People

Our commitment to positively impacting society and our community.

Planet

Our commitment to helping the environment and limiting our impact on it through sustainable practices.

Profit

Our commitment to running a profitable business to benefit our owners, staff, and community.

We are a welcoming, vibrant community of owners guided by our belief in the importance of healthful, honest food options. Through cooperative principles we support our economy by sourcing locally, and by providing education on food, environmental and social issues.

Mission Statement

We believe wholesome food is necessary for our individual well-being and also the well-being of our community. We believe that supporting local farmers and industries also strengthens our communities. We believe what we purchase and carry in our co-op should reflect the values of our membership.

Our Values

1st Principle

Open and Voluntary Membership

“Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.”

2nd Principle

Democratic Member Control

"Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Persons serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership..."

3rd Principle

Member Economic Participation

“Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative...”

4th Principle

Autonomy and Independence

"Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.”

5th Principle

Education, Information, and Training

“Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public–particularly young people and opinion leaders–about the nature and benefits of cooperation.”

6th Principle

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

“Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.”

7th Principle

Concern for Community

“While focusing on owners’ needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.”

The Seven Cooperative Principles are internationally recognized by all co-ops. They’re based on principles set down by the first successful consumer cooperative The Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society.

Blue Hill Co-op strongly believes that all people should have fundamental human rights and should be respected. Blue Hill Co-op is committed to welcoming people of all identities, cultures and backgrounds. As a triple bottom line cooperative, our vision, mission, and values stand firmly rooted in the nourishment and well-being of our planet, its people, and communities. While racism and colonialism continue to play a significant role in shaping food systems, Blue Hill Co-op is committed to cultivating justice-centered relationships that do not exploit. Blue Hill Co-op does not tolerate bigoted behavior within our community. Accordingly, we take action to foster a safe and inclusive environment.

70 South Street, Blue Hill, Maine

Your Community-Owned Grocery Store