Template:Infobox Co-operative
PCC (Puget Consumers Co-op) Natural Markets is a food cooperative based in Seattle, Washington. With over 35,000 members, it is the largest consumer-owned food cooperative in the United States.[1]. Both members and non-members may shop at the retail locations, but members receive certain discounts. The organization currently operates nine retail locations. Five of the nine stores are located in Seattle (in the Fremont, Green Lake, Seward Park, View Ridge and West Seattle neighborhoods). The other four are located in Issaquah, Kirkland, and Redmond, and Edmonds.
PCC was started in 1953 and continues to function member-owned and operated. The members govern through established bylaws and yearly elect a Board of Trustees who represent the interests of the members. Like other grocery cooperatives, the profits from the retail store operations go directly back into the stores or to the community (through classes, education or charitable efforts).
Current PCC programs include:
- PCC Sound Consumer newspaper
- PCC Cooks classes
- PCC Farmland Trust, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to sustainable organic farming
Relationship with Madison Market[]
PCC has a supporting relationship with Central Co-op's Madison Market, a grocery co-op in Capitol Hill. In 1978, Captiol Hill Co-op dissolved for financial reasons and PCC agreed to provide technical and financial assistance for the Central Co-Op to replace it, and to not compete in the same operating area.[2][3]