What is TBC?
Find out information about TBC.
What can I buy?
- produce, meats, dairy products, eggs and more directly from local farms
- all natural packed grocery products from United Foods, a food distributor
- herbs, supplements, and personal products from Frontier Natural Products
- cheese, butter and related products from Cornucopia Cheese
- locally produced milk, butter, and ice cream from Homeland Creamery
- breads and other prepared foods from local restaurants and bakeries such as Camino Bakery, Mooney's Mediterranean Cafe, Black Mountain Chocolate and more!
- a variety of other food and household items such as Charlie's soaps
How do I order?
TBC has a web-based ordering system, and we order from two of our national vendors using their online ordering systems.
How much does it cost?
TBC purchases goods at wholesale prices. TBC members pay a fixed percentage “bump” on their orders: 3% for working members and 13% for non-working members. We collect North Carolina sales taxes on all purchases, of course, and all regular members deposit $50.00 before they make their first purchase. We refund the deposit when a member leaves, provided the account is paid in full.
The co-op collects annual dues every January to cover fixed expenses, like rent. Currently, the amount is $35. We prorate for new members so their first 12 months are free; however, new members do pay a non-refundable $40.00 set-up fee.
If you own a business, ask us about wholesale memberships as there is a different pricing structure.
Will I save money buying from TBC?
It depends! If you usually buy groceries from stores specializing in whole, organic or sustainable sources, you might save quite a bit: some products available through TBC are considerably cheaper. Other products may be only slightly less or similarly priced. Either way, as a member, you have a chance to purchase many items in bulk, leading to significant savings.
What do I have to do as a working member?
- work means exactly that: doing a job every month that takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- your application will help us determine what job and which shift we will offer you.
- if you accept a working membership, you must work your assigned job even if you don’t place an order that month.
- New members must work three 'training shifts' before receiving a permanent job placement, and we work with members when life changes happen that require a change in job assignment.
- don’t worry, we have lots of different jobs, and we’ll train you. We’ll work with you to find the right fit.
How do I get my food?
Regular monthly delivery of all products takes place every four weeks (13 times a year). You can pick up your order on a Thursday between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Sorry, but we cannot guarantee that your co-op job hours will coincide with order pick-up time.
What are other reasons to join?
- meet interesting people and have fun working together
- reduce your trips to grocery stores
- use less packaging
- support local and organic farmers and businesses
- fresh food tastes great!