Mariposa FAQ
What is Mariposa Food Co-op?
Mariposa is a cooperative grocery store owned and operated by its membership. Anyone can join.
What does Mariposa sell?
We receive shipments of fresh organic, chemical-free, and conventional produce from distributors and farms several times a week. Bread, milk, and eggs are also delivered several times each week. We carry a full line of dairy products, including cheeses, yogurt and butter, and well as local beef from Philly CowShare. We have packaged items like soups, pasta, cereal, condiments, teas, coffees, juices and snacks, soy products such as tofu and tempeh, along with many bulk items, dried fruits, beans, grains, much more. We carry high quality goods at reasonable prices, and carry items that are hard to find in other stores. Mariposa tries to carry as many locally produced items as possible.
When is Mariposa moving?
(Updated 3/2012) We moved! Come visit our newly-renovated location at 4824 Baltimore Ave. We are open to the public, seven days as week.
How can I join?
There are three steps to joining Mariposa: (1) filling out a joining form, (2) paying some or all of your member equity and (3) attending a new member orientation. Click here to join online, or stop by the store and someone can help you fill out the online form.
What is “Member Equity”?
Member equity is your “ownership share” in the Co-op and is refundable upon your departure from Mariposa, providing your account is in good standing. The total equity is $200 per member, but a $25 payment is sufficient for joining. For those who pay less than $200 upon joining, an additional $25 is billed quarterly until $200 is reached. Additional payment options are available. We never want money to be a barrier to joining!
Do I need to work a shift to be a member?
Not anymore! Mariposa has historically been a working member only co-op, however work-shifts are no longer a requirement for membership.
That said, we highly encourage members to work a shift. Member labor plays an important role in the Mariposa’s operations and helps to maintain meaningful member leadership. Members who do work will receive an additional 5% discount off all purchases at the register, and a chance to participate in helping to run the organization. There are a variety of workshifts to choose from. You will choose whether to be a “working” or “non-working” member after your orientation. For descriptions of the different work groups available at Mariposa click here
Is food cheaper at Mariposa?
The Co-op charges an average mark-up of about 42% over wholesale (some products, such as milk, have a lower mark-up). We save on labor costs by buying many goods in bulk. Member labor lowers our operating costs, allowing us to sell things at a lower mark-up than we would be able to otherwise.
How do I shop at Mariposa?
Just grab a basket and select your items! Make a note of the price per pound of bulk goods and the growing method of fruits and vegetables (chemical-free, conventional, or organic), as the cashier will ask. Check out! You can also order many items in bulk for greater savings. Just talk to a staff person for details.
When can I shop?
Monday – Friday 10 AM – 9 PM, Sat & Sun 10 AM – 8 PM
How can I pay for groceries?
Mariposa accepts cash, personal check, VISA, Mastercard, Debit, money order, or SNAP EBT/food stamps.
How are decisions made?
Major policy decisions are made by the member-elected Board of Delegates. The Staff, who are hired by the Board, are responsible for implementing these decisions and for day-to-day management of the store. “Big picture” decisions—those regarding the core values of the Co-op and effecting our by-laws—are made by members. Feel free to direct questions, comments, or suggestions to staff members working in the store, or post a note on our comment board.
Why be a part of your local co-op?
There are many benefits to shopping at a co-op like Mariposa:
- You support the local economy: co-ops are owned by their members, meaning that the money the co-op earns stays local, instead of benefiting a multinational corporation. For 60 years, businesses have fled the inner cities – now is our chance to help rebuild a neighborhood economy!
- Co-ops build community: co-op members are more than just owners – they are active participants in the management and governance of the organization. Through ongoing personal interactions, cooperators come to know and trust one another. And co-ops partner with other community based organizations, such as urban farms, local businesses and education programs.
- Co-ops give back: co-ops are not islands; they are required to build partnerships that strengthen other like-minded organizations. At Mariposa, we are allies with the Mill Creek Farm and the West Philadelphia Tool Library, using the power of our member labor to make West Philadelphia a better place.
- Democratic member control: democracy is not just something that happens once a year on Election Day! A robust democracy is based on the ongoing participation and deliberation of people in their families, their workplaces, and their communities. A co-op is built around democratic processes, giving us the skills and the sense of what it means to make decisions we can all stand behind.
- Know more about your food: co-ops pioneered the use of nutritional labeling, bulk purchasing, and unit pricing. These tools create informed consumers. And co-ops are deliberate about where the food comes from, so you know that your food is coming from safe and sustainable sources. Ask at the co-op—people will be happy to tell you about the food’s producers and how it got onto the store’s shelves.
- Show your love for the environment: Mariposa is a store that buys local, sells in bulk to reduce packaging, recycles and composts. Most of our members walk or bike to the store. We bring our own bags. Through conservation and efficiency, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact as we nourish our bodies and souls.
Membership inquiries:
Office: (215) 729-2121
