For years The Frugal Diva drove by the Santa Monica Co-op  at 1525 Broadway and wondered what the deal was with being a member.  Was it necessary to spend $25 per year plus $5 the first year to shop for groceries? Would it generate enough savings?

First of all you can shop there without being a member and see if this place works for you. Here are the benefits for members.   The main difference is the savings on Member Sale items. For example they had organic hummus with jalepeno and garlic in a 12 ounce tub for $2.49 and a very nice aloe vera soap for $1.29 a bar.  I bought some organic Fuji apples at the regular price of $1.99 per pound.  They also have a major selection of bulk items that allow you to get just the amount you need and not pay for extra packaging.

This is a community based, consumer owned and operated business that offers a huge selection of  organic products and natural foods.  They have a vast selection of reasonably price mostly organic produce sourced from California farms. Their health and body care department is stocked with a large selection of vitamins, homoeopathic items, cruelty-free cosmetics and much, much more.  They have specialized diet items for raw foodies, vegans, dairy free, and gluten free.  There is even have a deli with roasted chicken and prepared salads, a coffee bar, and a juice bar. 

 The Santa Monica Co-op works best for those wanting organic produce and specialized products.  However you can still use coupons and watch monthly specials to bring prices down. On my first shopping trip I got a Lara Bar for five cents with a 90 cent off coupon and $3.00 of a Cascadian Farm Cereal.  Now that $25 membership has already saved me almost $4. And that was just the first day.  There are always strategies for saving.

And you might get a little bonus at the end of the year. When coops have a profit left over at the end of the fiscal year they may distribute the member’s share of the profit back to the members. These profits are distributed in direct proportion to a coop member’s purchases.  Membership does have its privileges with member appreciation months, speaker events, and Co-op members offering their services for a discount to other Co-op members!