As spring enters full swing, the Board of Directors is excited about the season of growth and change ahead for the East End Food Co-op. In particular, we are focused on growing in three areas: first, building a more inclusive co-op community; second, creating more opportunities for member engagement; and third, expanding our physical space.

Working with Inclusant — a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm — the Board of Directors and co-op employees completed surveys to assess our strengths and needs. With the survey results back, we have begun trainings tailored to our particular needs, and will be receiving support for implementing new practices, such as a more equitable hiring process. Big thanks to our General Manager, Maura Holliday, for keeping this work moving forward.

Recently, an email was sent to members inviting them to join a board committee. Committees play a vital role in doing research and developing proposals and recommendations that are discussed and voted on by the full board. The board currently convenes seven different committees, on topics ranging from Finance to Resilience. Members who are interested in joining a committee can contact the board clerk (boardclerk@eastendfood.coop) for more information. Additionally, updates from each committee can be found in the minutes from monthly board meetings. We see this invitation to join committees as a first step in a longer process of creating a more engaged co-op membership, and hope that you will join us in co-creating that future.

Finally, the board has been working closely with management to develop a plan for expanding the physical space of the co-op. This spring, we anticipate holding a series of information sessions to share the results of our work on this effort, and hope to get feedback from members on a proposed new location. Assuming that members are supportive of this plan (which we are confident you will be!), we will be launching a capital campaign in the fall. Be on the lookout for more information about the information sessions and capital campaign soon!

We are thrilled to be guiding the co-op through these periods of growth and change. While exciting, these transitions can also be challenging. That is why we want to create many opportunities for involvement and direct communication between members and the board. As always, feel free to join one of our monthly meetings or reach out directly to boardofdirectors@eastendfood.coop.

Happy Spring!

Sam Applefield, EEFC Board President