MercShare Program Updates

MercShare+ Program Updates — New Qualifying Benefits Programs

We’re expanding our MercShare+ program so that more community members qualify for an everyday 10% discount on groceries. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthy foods, and we’ve worked hard for many years to curate a mix of products with choices to meet our shoppers’ needs, values and budgets. You don’t need to be an owner to shop here, but we welcome all community members to join in and actively engage in the democratic business model.

What is MercShare+?

The MercShare ownership subsidy and discount program was established in 2007 to allow us to reduce the cost barriers to ownership and to provide owners with practical solutions that don’t sacrifice their values or their budget.   

Co-op shoppers currently enrolled in qualifying federal or state (Kansas or Missouri) benefits programs are eligible for a MercShare ownership with an investment of just $10; and, co-op owners are eligible for MercShare+, a 10% discount applied automatically on grocery purchases every day. The co-op subsidizes the remaining $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. 

The MercShare+ 10% discount applies to all food purchases, including milk, bread, produce, meat, frozen, bulk and more every day.

Participation  

Non-Owners  

To apply for ownership and the 10% discount, you will need a completed ownership application (in-store or online) and to provide proof of qualifying benefits (like letter or form from qualifying program, or receipt showing recent use) from any of these programs:

  1. SNAP   

  2. WIC 

  3. Medicaid  

  4. Section 8 or HRA Housing Program  

  5. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  

  6. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  

  7.  Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

  8. Pell Grants 

Current co-op owners  

Provide documentation of proof of benefits to a co-op cashier or e-mail your materials. Your application will be processed within 5–7 business days and your co-op account will automatically begin granting the 10% discount on all purchases once the application and documentation are processed. 

Additional Information

Renewals  

MercShare+ recipients must reapply for the 10% discount every January. At renewal, applicants must provide current proof of qualifying benefits.  

Redemption  

Ownership shares are fully refundable at any time. The redemption value of the share is equal to the investment of the owner.  

Funding  

In 2007, a generous gift from the late Carol Nalbandian, an owner and board member, helped to establish the MercShare program. The MercShare program has helped to fund nearly 500 ownership shares for those experiencing financial hardship.  

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. 

Questions? Please reach out to us.