2016 Community Cooperator of the Year

Congratulations to the Community Food Co-op’s Community Cooperator of the Year—Mardi Soloman!

Over the years the Co-op has given this award to some of our most beloved community members and organizers. These Cooperators bring people together, create a sense of community, improve the quality of life of everyone around them, explore common values, and publicly share their knowledge, wisdom, and skills. And they always seem to be the kind, caring, and heartfelt people that we are so lucky and grateful to have living among us.

I can’t say enough great things about Mardi and the impact she has had on our community.

Mardi’s main focus right now is to help Whatcom Farm to School continue to grow and tackle even more important projects. What is Farm to School? The website says it best.
“It’s a movement. It’s a partnership. It’s a meeting of minds and hearts all focused on finding practical ways to get more fresh and local food into school meals, and teaching children to learn to love healthy food.”

What could be more important than that?

Mardi sees herself as a connection maker and I can attest to that as she helped me launch the Co-op’s “The Real Food Show,” which has now been seen by over 15,000 kids in 43 schools. She set me up with the right people to talk to and has opened doors for many in similar situations.

She listens to the needs of others and helps determine the best way to make things happen.

Mardi is involved in and connected with a myriad of organizations in our area—too many to list—that are focused on the health and well-being of our children and the community.

Her latest project is working on a statewide Farm to School network. “By increasing connections and communication, all our programs will rise,” said Mardi.

Though Mardi’s current connections are impressive, they were nearly eclipsed by her much earlier almost brush with fame while attending Occidental College with fellow student Barak Obama. But, Mardi and Barak never crossed paths as youthful college students.

It is with much gratitude that we award Mardi Solomon with the 2016 Community Cooperator of the Year award. Congratulations, Mardi!

Congratulations to the other Community Cooperator nominees: Dan Van Dyken, Elka Fink, and Susan Toch.

Our thanks to everyone who took a moment to share their nominations for Cooperator of the Year awards. The Co-op is pleased to recognize the contributions of community members and Co-op Board and staff with these annual awards.