Our Principles

Our Principles

Since we understand that any new enterprise has to be flexible and open to unexpected shifts, there are a few principles that are foundational to FGFC from its inception. We hold these as core guiding principles/values:

• Collective ownership
• Location in Southeast Raleigh
• Self-determination
• Economic development
• Sustainability
• Grocery store access to fresh, healthy and affordable food
• Safe community gathering place for intercultural exchange
• Quadruple Bottom Line enterprise (valuing the well-being of people, planet, purpose- culture/spirit- as much as profit)
• Leadership reflecting the historical Southeast Raleigh community
• Leadership majority lives in Southeast Raleigh
• Living wage jobs
• Anti-oppressive framework and environment: honor the gifts, talents and humanity of all people

Cooperative Principles

1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members—those who buy the goods or use the services of the cooperative—who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
3. Members' Economic Participation Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the cooperative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the cooperative rather than on the capital invested.
4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs.