Adopted by Chicago Market's Board of Directors, February 2017 (Values revised February 2023). Click here for background on this important strategic work.
MISSION AND PURPOSE
We are building a better food community. Powered by our Owners, we create and strengthen local food connections that are honest, accessible, educational, and inspiring. We are a cooperative grocery store—but more than that, we're a gathering place and vibrant community resource.
VISION
A better food community—local, sustainable, connected.
TAGLINE
Local. Sustainable. Yours.
VALUES
We value: Relationships, Ownership, Sustainability, Justice, Accountability, and Joy.
Relationships. Relationships are the core of our food community. We cultivate partnerships and community among our Owners, shoppers, vendors, local businesses and organizations, chefs, restaurants, our city, and our neighborhood. Further, we regard our farmers, manufacturers, producers, and employees as valued members of our community.
Ownership. Democratically led by our Owners, Chicago Market's success depends on the participation of each member of our community through Board and committee work, volunteer engagement, participating in the annual Owners meeting, and electing our Board. Founded on and operating by the core cooperative values and principles, we provide our community voice to build a democratic and equitable food community that has the power to change the local food landscape.
Sustainability. We support and promote sustainable agriculture, careful resource use, and environmental and economic sustainability. We incorporate these principles in everything we do, including our Purchasing Values, store design, and operations. We want to make buying decisions that are both sustainable for the co-op but also for the suppliers and employees with whom we work.
Justice. Our Co-op advances personal, structural, and systemic justice for all our stakeholders. We recognize that many forms of discrimination and oppression exist and harm members of the communities we serve. As a food co-op created by and for the community, we are rooted in the pursuit of inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Accountability. Chicago Market is accountable to our Owners, employees, vendors, community, and environment. We commit to fair labor standards, honest and financially responsible business practices, transparent communication, and continual improvement based on our community's feedback. We provide transparent information about who produced your food and how it was produced, so you can decide what you feed yourself and your family.
Joy. We share a passion for connecting with others over food that makes us feel great. Our facilities, events, and programs inspire and educate; they celebrate and incubate local food producers and new ideas. Chicago Market is a joyous place to shop and work and to gather in community.