Hearth Cottage Membership Agreement
Hearth Cottage Private Membership Agreement
Last Updated: [March 2026]
By becoming a member of The Hearth Cottage, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the following terms.
1. Private Membership Community
The Hearth Cottage operates as a private membership community connecting members with local farms and small producers. Access to The Hearth Cottage is reserved exclusively for active members and their accompanied guests.
The Hearth Cottage is not open to the general public and operates as a private membership-based community for sourcing local farm goods. Membership allows individuals and families to participate in a local food network and conveniently access products coordinated from trusted farms.
2. Membership Fee
Membership is $5 per month and requires a valid card on file for automatic monthly billing. Membership provides access to shop at The Hearth Cottage during posted hours of operation.
3. Membership Agreement Duration
This agreement is signed one time upon joining and remains in effect for the duration of membership.
If membership is canceled and later reinstated, the original agreement remains valid unless updated terms have been issued, in which case members may be asked to review and agree to revised terms.
4. Membership Cancellation or Revocation
Members may cancel their membership at any time. Cancellation will stop future billing but does not refund previously paid membership fees.
The Hearth Cottage reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership if a member acts in a manner that disrespects the property, farmers, community members, or the values of this space.
5. Farm Product Coordination
The Hearth Cottage serves as a coordination point and pickup location for farm goods produced by independent farms and small producers.
Products offered at The Hearth Cottage are produced by independent vendors and farms, and The Hearth Cottage primarily facilitates the connection between those producers and members.
Members understand that The Hearth Cottage does not produce or manufacture most products offered and relies on the representations and practices of the individual farms.
6. Raw Milk & Regulated Farm Products
In accordance with Texas regulations, raw milk and certain dairy products must be purchased and paid for directly through the farm.
The Hearth Cottage serves only as a pickup location for preordered farm products when permitted by the farm.
7. Food Purchase & Consumption Acknowledgment
Members acknowledge that farm products, including raw and minimally processed foods, may carry inherent risks associated with natural food products.
By purchasing or picking up products coordinated through The Hearth Cottage, members voluntarily assume responsibility for the consumption and handling of those foods.
The Hearth Cottage is not responsible for individual reactions, sensitivities, or improper storage once items leave the property.
8. Product Handling Responsibility
Perishable items are stored under refrigeration until pickup. Members agree to transport and store purchased items properly once they leave the property.
9. Product Standards
The Hearth Cottage prioritizes working with farms whose practices align with our community values. Products offered are GMO free and contain no corn, soy, or seed oils according to the practices of the farms and producers we partner with.
10. Property Entry & Liability
The Hearth Cottage is located on private family property.
By visiting the property, members and guests acknowledge that they do so at their own risk. The property includes natural farm elements such as uneven ground, animals, and normal homestead activity.
Members agree that The Hearth Cottage, its owners, and participating farms shall not be held liable for accidents, injuries, or damages occurring while on the property.
11. Animals on Property
The property includes animals such as chickens, ducks, cats, and a dog. Members agree to behave respectfully around animals and understand that animals behave naturally.
12. Children
Children are welcome but must remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times while visiting the property.
13. Hours of Operation
Current hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Hours may expand or change as the community grows. Members agree to respect posted hours and property boundaries.
14. Referrals
The Hearth Cottage currently operates primarily by referral and word of mouth. New members may be asked to provide the name of the member who referred them when signing up.
15. Updates to Terms
The Hearth Cottage reserves the right to update this agreement if necessary. Members will be notified if material changes are made.
16. Pre-Ordered Item Pickup Responsibility
Members are responsible for picking up any pre-ordered items within three (3) days of delivery or availability unless prior arrangements have been made.
Items not picked up within this timeframe may be rehomed, donated, or otherwise redistributed at the owner's discretion and without refund.
17. No Resale of Products
Products obtained through The Hearth Cottage are intended for personal household use by members.
Members agree not to resell products purchased through The Hearth Cottage without prior written permission.
18. Communication Consent
By becoming a member, you agree that The Hearth Cottage may communicate with you through email, text message, or other electronic means regarding membership updates, farm deliveries, pickup notifications, hours, and other operational information.
Members are responsible for ensuring their contact information remains current.
19. Product Availability
Members acknowledge that all products coordinated through The Hearth Cottage are subject to availability from partner farms and producers.
Due to the seasonal and small-scale nature of agriculture, quantities and varieties may vary week to week.
Electronic Agreement
By submitting the membership form and typing your full legal name as your electronic signature, you acknowledge that:
• You have read and agree to the Hearth Cottage Private Membership Agreement
• Your electronic signature is legally binding
• You agree to abide by the terms of this membership
A Note From Our Family
The Hearth Cottage exists to help make quality farm goods more accessible while supporting the farmers who produce them.
We operate with a friends-and-family mindset — grace offered, grace given, and everyone doing their best with self-accountability.
We’re grateful to have you here.