3021 78th St. Norway, IA 52318
1-844-550-6200 | Mon-Fri 7a–6p CT
Frontier Co-op CEO Tony Bedard in Quatemala

What is a Co-op?

Cooperatives operate similarly to other businesses as for-profit entities, where member-owners earn dividends from profits, have bylaws, and are governed by a board of directors. However, co-ops are unique in that they are owned and controlled by members who directly participate in the business, like Frontier Co-op, which is owned by its wholesale customers. This cooperative structure has driven our success by fostering responsible business practices, allowing us to reinvest in our sourcing partners, support causes globally, and break down employment barriers—all while upholding the values of our member-owners since 1976.

Seven Cooperative Principles

How a Co-op Works graphic

HOW A CO-OP WORKS

FRONTIER CO-OP

Shoppers buy the co-op’s products from our members.

PROFITS

The co-op’s profits are shared according to member purchases that year.

FRONTIER CO-OP MEMBERS

Stores and organizations re-selling our products.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Members get one vote each to elect a Board of Directors to represent them in their co-op’s decisions.

Concern for Community

Frontier Co-op employees volunteering
EMPLOYEES DOING GOOD

Employee giving is a great way to ensure that the causes and non-profits our employees care about in their communities are reflected in Frontier Co-op’s annual giving.

Frontier Co-op employee
WHAT IS PATRONAGE?

Patronage at Frontier Co-op refers to the dividends our member-owners receive, which are distributed based on their purchases and participation in the co-op, allowing them to share in the company’s profits.

Simply Organic Giving Fund recipient 
Dion’s Chicago Dream.
FRONTIER CO-OP GIVING FUND

Frontier Co-op holds a donor-advised fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, which funds programs like the Simply Organic Giving Fund and the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project.

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OVERSEAS COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

OCDC brings together US based organizations committed to building a more prosperous world through the cooperative model. As members, OCDC helps our team share learnings from our projects with cooperatives around the globe.

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NATIONAL COOPERATIVE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

NCBA CLUSA works to build a better world and a more inclusive economy that empowers people to contribute to shared prosperity and well-being for themselves and future generations through the cooperative model.

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Sample of products from the Frontier Co-op family of brands
JOIN OUR CO-OP!

Become a lifetime member of Frontier Co-op. For a one-time $10 fee, you’ll get membership benefits, including a share of the co-op’s annual profits, a vote on co-op issues and exclusive member pricing.

Become a Member >