Owners who have a financial need can apply for the Access Program. With the Access Program you can make smaller equity (Ownership) payments, get a voucher for a free class, get a free tote bag, and shop with a 10% discount to buy food and other products at the Co-op.
Owners who have a financial need can apply for the Access Program and:
- Shop at the Co-op with a 10% discount.
- Receive one coupon for each person on your account for a free class every year.
- Receive one free tote bag for each person on your account to carry home your groceries.
Not an Owner? You can make smaller Ownership payments if you qualify for the Access Program!
The Access Discount is connected to your Owner account. When you check out, you will tell the cashier your Owner number and the cashier will confirm your name. Both people listed on a Household Ownership account can receive the benefits of the Access Program, even if only one adult qualifies.
To apply for the Access Program, you can talk with staff at the Customer Service Desk.
All Owners who participate in the Access Program must sign up every year, during the month of March. The Co-op will send a reminder letter to you in February, at the address listed on your account.
Current Qualifiers:
- QUEST Food Share Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid (BadgerCare/Senior Care)
- Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Section 8 Housing Assistance/Community Development Authority (HUD)
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- FairShare CSA Coalition Partner Shares
- Free or Reduced School Lunch and Breakfast Program
- Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program
- Wisconsin Works
- Heat for Heroes
- Early Head Start/Head Start
- Proof annual gross income within last year is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (see below for table)
Visit the Customer Service Desk at any of our locations to apply.
Persons in Family/ Household | 2024 Federal Poverty Guideline (Annual) | 150% Annual (Your income must be at or below this number to qualify) | 150% Monthly |
1 | $15,060 | $22,590 | $1,882 |
2 | $20,440 | $30,660 | $2,555 |
3 | $25,820 | $38,730 | $3,227 |
4 | $31,200 | $46,800 | $3,900 |
5 | $36,580 | $54,870 | $4,572 |
6 | $41,960 | $62,940 | $5,245 |
7 | $47,340 | $71,010 | $5,917 |
8 | $52,720 | $79,080 | $6,590 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,380 for each additional person.
