How Foodstead works, what it means to be a member
Membership
Agreement
Foodstead Private Membership Association Agreement
Effective Date: ____ / ____ / ____
Member Name: __________________________________________
1. Purpose & Private Domain
Foodstead is a Private Membership Association (PMA) formed under the right of private contract and association as protected by the U.S. Constitution.
The purpose of this Association is to allow its members to obtain and share access to locally produced foods, farm goods, and related educational or wellness services within a private, member-only environment, outside the jurisdiction of public regulatory agencies.
All activities, exchanges, and communications within Foodstead occur in the private domain and are not open to the public.
Membership does not grant any ownership interest or voting rights in the management of Foodstead.
2. Membership Terms
- Membership is open to individuals, households, and producers who agree to the principles and terms of this Agreement.
- Membership is non-transferable and valid for one (1) year from the date of acceptance unless renewed.
- Members agree that all participation occurs in a private, member-only capacity and not as representatives of any public agency.
- Members must maintain current contact information and payments to remain in good standing.
- Foodstead reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership for non-payment, misconduct, or disruption of operations.
3. Fees and Payments
- The annual membership fee is $150, payable upon joining or renewal.
- Members agree to purchase available products at prices established by Foodstead.
- All payments and product orders are final once confirmed.
- Fees and pricing may be adjusted with reasonable notice to members.
4. Management & Authority
All operational decisions—including purchasing, vendor selection, distribution logistics, and pricing—are made solely by Foodstead’s management or appointed representatives.
Members have no right to direct or control management decisions. Membership grants access to Foodstead’s services, not participation in its governance.
5. Liability, Risk, & Indemnity
- Foodstead facilitates access to products provided by independent farmers and producers.
- Foodstead does not inspect, warrant, or guarantee any product.
- Members voluntarily assume full responsibility for the use, handling, and consumption of all products obtained through Foodstead.
- Members agree to hold harmless and indemnify Foodstead, its owners, officers, and representatives from any and all claims or liabilities arising from participation in the Association or use of its products.
- Members understand that they are acting in a private capacity and accept the inherent risks associated with agricultural and food products.
6. Privacy & Communication
- All member data and transactions remain private and are used solely for Foodstead operations and communications.
- Members consent to receive updates, order information, and notices by email, text, or other communication methods approved by Foodstead.
- Foodstead will not share member information outside the Association without consent unless required by law.
7. Termination
- Membership may be suspended or revoked for policy violations, misconduct, or failure to pay dues.
- Members may voluntarily withdraw at any time, but membership fees are non-refundable.
- Foodstead reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Association or its operations at any time.
8. Acknowledgment & Agreement
By signing below or electronically agreeing, the Member affirms:
- They are joining Foodstead as a private member, not as a member of the general public.
- They understand that all interactions occur in the private domain, by mutual contract.
- They agree to all terms set forth in this Membership Agreement.
Additional Information
In the future, Foodstead is considering setting up workshops on life skills or other subjects. Ideas include sour dough, chicken processing, recipe sharing, gun safety, retirement planning, financial literacy, winter gardening, seed starting, emergency planning, etc.
Do you have any workshops you would be interested in taking or teaching any Foodstead relevant workshops? Please list whether you would want to teach or take the workshop ideas you have! Note: your ideas/skills do not have to be listed above- we would love to hear new ideas too!
Member Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ______________________
Foodstead Representative: _____________________________
Date: ______________________
For a printable or downloadable version of the membership agreement, please see this link.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NbgRMf9k6P7tyc6dPCZuTkAmwg6EgDt9NiNAq14m6lE/edit?usp=sharing
Hard copies of this agreement are also available upon request.