The Co-op Turns 53 This Month!
Dear Owners,
The Co-op turns 53 this month! 53 years of community ownership, stewardship, and shared economic power. 53 years of natural foods in a friendly environment. 53 years of owners investing and shopping and asking for interesting products to better meet their needs. 53 years of workers giving their all to create a lasting and indispensable resource for our neighborhoods. Thank you for the part you have played in creating this Co-op.
An old newspaper clipping of our storefront on Elmwood in 1975
March is an exciting month at the Co-op, with Bulk sale, an homage to our founders, Pi(e) day in partnership with Big Big Table, Saint Patrick’s Day, lent and Easter. Co-op favorites on the menu include our excellent fish fry, reubens (both traditional AND vegan) and our delicious carrot cake.Spring is right around the corner, and with it the beginning of another local growing season. My grandma used to say you plant peas on Easter Sunday, but it seems impossibly early this year. If she’s right, it will be a very warm spring.
We’re about mid-way through our fiscal year, so it’s a good time for a mid-year review. In October we distributed $15,000 in profits back to owners. Last year’s record inflation inspired us to look for ways to reduce the cost of your holidays, including 20% lower prices on Plainville turkeys and Owner Appreciation Days. Sales are up 2.5% over last year thanks to strong owner patronage. We signed our first contract with Workers United in September, and our transition to a union co-op is going well. In July, we set a lofty goal of $3 million in local purchases (17% more than last year), and I’m excited to report that we’re on pace to hit it!
Looking ahead to April, we have the full solar eclipse, an expansion of our supplements and body care section, supporting your Passover Seders, a round-up campaign for the Tool Library, and a plant-based meat & cheese sale in recognition of Earth Day. It will be another fun and busy month!
I also want to express my deep gratitude to Patrick Finan, who plans to step off the board next month after four years of service. Patrick has been an inspiring board leader and mentor to me through the many changes since 2019. Thank you, Patrick, for your visionary and dedicated service.
Lastly, in Williamsville, a co-op is preparing to open that was inspired by Lexington. Learn more and consider investing to help make it happen at villagecoopmarket.com.
Through 53 years, the Co-op has been made by you. Here’s to 53 more years!
In Cooperation,
Tim Bartlett
