Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

This is to give you a feel of what it would be like to be an Active Member. True Food isn’t just about money off and it is hoped that, by participating, you will get to see all the other benefits of building a community around good, affordable food.

If you join at a market or the shop then you will very likely get your vouchers immediately. Otherwise they will be posted ASAP. They are issued in £1.25 denominations and each can be used for a £1.25 discount on every £10 you spend.

Please ask a member of staff for a list of tasks. There is a wide range and it is adaptable to individual members. Don't worry about not having relevant experience, most of it is easier than it looks and training is provided.

No. However, many people are motivated to give much more than three hours per four weeks and these motivations are often not financial, but based on seeing that being part of something is a reward in itself.

These will be posted to you on an eight week cycle (for administrative purposes) and you will also receive coupons for any special offers. They have a generous time limit for use (the expiry date is printed on them). To be eligible for these you must have completed your three hours for a given four week period.

The quantity of vouchers issued is based on national statistics for average grocery budgets. Some people may find they have a surplus of vouchers, others may find that they run out, but all those who qualify as Active Members receive the same potential discount. You can give your vouchers away to friends and family to encourage them to shop. The more people shopping with TFC the more we all benefit from increased buying power.

You could find someone who has a surplus and see if you can convince them to give them to you.

Yes, the expiry date is marked on them.

Yes, but only by special arrangement and only if there is a suitable task that needs doing. Your vouchers will still be issued in the standard eight week cycle along with special offer coupons.

Please talk to one of our members of staff either at the shop or at one of the markets. They will explain what tasks are currently available and how to sign up to do them.

Please try to find someone to fill in for you. If you can’t find anyone, please give as much notice as possible so that someone can be found to stand in for you.

There is no employment contract between True Food Co-op and its members. There is, however, an owners’ agreement between all members that those who help with tasks and qualify as Active Members receive discounted shopping.

The discounts are not earnings as they cannot be converted into money. So, you are not required to declare them on your tax return, nor will they affect any benefits.

All membership renewals take place in January of each year. This is to make the administration task manageable. When you renew you will receive another £20 batch of discount vouchers as a thank you.

The membership system has been carefully designed such that there is no disadvantage to joining late in the year. You get the same benefit of £20 of discount vouchers whether you joined at the beginning or end of a year.

If you don’t renew in the month of January then your membership will cease, but you can rejoin at any time.

No. Both TFC and 'The Co-operative' are co-ops so share many similarities but the details of how they are run are up to the individual organisations.