Become a Food Producer

Here is some guidance in a nutshell to get you started:

Download a copy of the Producer Guidelines (for the most part, this is accurate, although there are some updates not reflected in this) - important information about how you can fit into the Purple Porch Co-op and start selling your food. This will be a reference for you as well, once you are a Producer member.
Download, complete and submit (see below):

a copy of the Producer Questionnaire concerning your production methods and other questions about your product and farm or business. PDF version or MS Word version (the latter is best, if you want to type directly onto it.) Answer all that apply to you.

If any licenses or certificates are required for your product from the ISDA, MDA or USDA and/or Indiana Egg Board and/or certified kitchen, please include these documents with your application. We must receive a copy of those documents before reviewing your application.
Mail all application materials to Purple Porch Co-op, PO Box 1242, South Bend, IN 46624.
Set up a new username in the online shopping system.
Wait for approval.
Once approved, come back and add products.
Note: if you would like to purchase through the Co-op, we do ask that you pay the $40 membership fee. Otherwise, the fee is waived.

Your application will be forwarded to the Co-op's Producer Relations Committee, which will review your application and contact you with any questions. The committee may ask for more information and may visit your farm or business before approving your application.

The approval process can take up to 4 weeks to complete. If you are not accepted as a producer, we will promptly refund your membership fee.

Producer Investment and Surcharge

Each Distribution (Wednesday or Saturday) the Co-op collects a $3 investment in the cooperative. This is automatically withheld from your weekly sales payment.
The Co-op collects a 5% sales surcharge on all sales.

Note: Both of these are put toward operational expenses and marketing expenses.