OUR VISION: The members of The Big Carrot share a vision that combines a commitment to both natural foods and the building of a democratic workplace. We offer an alternative to commercial supermarkets. As worker owners, we seek to maintain personal control over the quality of food we sell.

OUR PURPOSE: To provide our customers with the finest quality and selection of natural foods, backed up by friendly service and up-to-date information. To actively encourage increased production and distribution of organic and additive free products, and to actively support sustainable agriculture and ecologically sound practices. To offer satisfying, gainful employment in a fair and productive workplace, thus furthering the goal of healthy living for ourselves and others.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND OURSELVES: The Big Carrot is committed to offering the finest quality in wholesome and organic foods. We offer complete one-stop shopping for natural food customers, with high quality products, friendly and informed service, and competitive prices. Our goal is to continue as innovative leaders within the industry. Our purchasing policy supports the ongoing development of a local network of natural food suppliers. We buy from small, local, organic producers wherever possible. Furthermore, each product must meet a set of standards which govern departmental buying. Our pricing policy is competitive with other natural food stores. Through our work with local producers, we hope to make organic food more affordable over time. We believe public education on social and environmental issues is an important key to the health and prosperity of individuals and the community as a whole. One of our goals is to develop a skilled and knowledgeable staff, able to introduce customers to these issues.

OUR WORKPLACE: Acting on the belief that beneficial change can come through collective action, The Big Carrot is intentionally organized as a worker co-operative. The members are committed to maintaining and refining the co-op structures in order to utilize the strengths of a growing membership. In our co-op each worker is eligible to become a member and each member has one vote in our meetings. By making a financial investment, every member accepts a personal responsibility for the success or failure of the business. Our success is measured in customer and worker satisfaction, and by our effort in the development of a healthy and sustainable food system. Financial success means paying our workers wages and benefits comparable with industry standards, while maintaining competitive prices. Each member receives a share of the profits commensurate with the time she/he has worked. We direct a share of our profits as well as contributing volunteer time throughout the year, to other co-op, agricultural and humanitarian groups.

IN CONCLUSION... We believe that organizations are built on the strengths and talents of its people. Teamwork integrates our people with our organizational needs. It requires trust, openness, and co-operation. Working together, we aim to achieve a workplace where our efforts, our merchandise, and our organizational systems come together to ensure high quality service to our customers, a productive workplace for ourselves, and healthier food for us all.