Shopping Guide

  • list from a shopper with drawings of produce and the PLU numbers

Everybody is welcome to shop in our member-owned cooperative stores, regardless of age, race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or Co-op membership status.

We do offer exciting Member Benefits, which include: paying no more than shelf-prices (while non-members pay an additional 10%), low-income discounts, participation discounts, bulk order discounts, the opportunity to order online from our Web Store for Curbside Pickup, and countless opportunities to stay involved!

During your visit, you’ll see our working members side-by-side with Co-op Staff, helping to Cashier and stock the stores. Please be kind to them, as they represent the heart of our organization. By sharing their time and skills, our working members embody the service and value we have provided to our community for 45 years. Check out the details of this popular program and our many Working Member Benefits!

Ready to Go Shopping?  Grab your bags and jars (if you like, we also provide a full shopping experience that includes bags) and come prepared with the basics, listed below. *Remember: if you feel confused, we welcome you to visit Customer Service at either store, where one of our staff members will be happy to show you around.

What Are PLU Numbers? 
If a product does not have a barcode visible on the packaging, it will have a PLU number instead, so your cashier can identify and ring up your purchases. PLUs are most often found on products sold in bulk such as dry goods, gooey oils and syrups, refrigerated bee pollen, and select body care products such as shampoo, as well as laundry soaps, and some bakery and household items. Our Deli soups and salads are sold by the pound. You generally do not need to get PLU’s for produce items, but do take note of the name of the produce item if there’s more than one type, for example: Ambrosia apple.

Handling Liquid Bulk Items
Bring in your container or purchase one of ours – various designs in glass and plastic are available. Make sure to weigh the container prior to filling, and keep track of the container weight (which is also called the “tare” weight). When you’re checking out, let your Cashier know the tare weight and the PLU number of each bulk item sold by weight. Scales are found in the bulk section, for your convenience.

Bulk Discounts 
We offer a 10% discount for our Members on most bulk product orders. Ask a Staff member to fill out the order form, and we’ll call you when your order arrives, at which time, payment is due. If there is an issue with availability, our department managers will do everything they can to contact you in advance and try to solve the problem.

Food Labeling Information

Fair Trade with the Domestic Fair Trade Association
Non-GMO labeling with the Non-GMO Project
GMO Foods – Frequently Asked Questions with the World Health Organization
Nutrition Facts Label Guide of the US Food and Drug Administration
Organic labeling with the US Department of Agriculture

 No Longer Offering Tax Exemptions for Nonresidents
Sorry, but we are no longer permitted to provide this service as of As of July 1, 2019. You are welcome to request a refund through the Department of Revenue of Washington State for the state portion that you paid, and there is no refund available for the local portion paid. Here is a PDF of the Tax Exemption Special Notice

Olympia Food Co-op Returns Policy
As a not-for-profit, member-owned grocery organization, the purpose of our Returns Policy is to promote member satisfaction while maintaining our low prices.

1. All returns must be approved by a Staff Member

2. Items may be returned or exchanged to either store within 30 days of purchase

3. All refunds and price adjustments must be accompanied by a receipt

4. Bulk department Special Orders cannot be returned

5. Items with a receipt may be returned for a refund as follows:

      • Credit and debit purchases – the refund amount must be credited back to the customer’s card
      • EBT Food purchases – the refund amount must be credited to the EBT card used in the original purchase
      • Cash purchases will be refunded back in cash
      • Check and EBT Cash purchases may be refunded back in cash
      • Gift Card purchases will be credited back to a gift card.

The Olympia Food Co-op reserves the right to handle returns and exchanges on a case-by-case basis.

We look forward to seeing you soon!