Wild Oats operates under a system called Policy Governance, which provides a framework for all of its decisions as an organization.

Because we value transparency, and the collective ownership of a diverse cross-section of more than 1700 members of our community, our policies are not only publicly available, but also constantly being reviewed and updated as appropriate. This is one of the many important differences between a small, independent co-op market and a large corporate-owned supermarket.

Click below to download and review our various policies:

Cooperative Principles - The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their 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, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Individuals serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership.

3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.

4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. Education, Training, and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

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 Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cooperatives strive to incorporate diversity, perform equitably, and ensure inclusion at all levels of their organizations to better serve all who interact with the Cooperative, to show everyone they are valued, and to ensure everyone receives equitable service.