So much to look forward to this spring

APRIL 17, 2026

Dear Community Food Co-op Members,

Spring sure has a way of announcing itself — daffodils, tulips, cherry trees all blooming, robins and wrens returning, chorus frogs filling our evenings with their songs — all alongside longer, lighter days. April is what is referred to as a “shoulder season.” It’s not quite the abundance of summer yet, but it’s no longer winter either. It’s about tender veggies like radishes, rhubarb, asparagus, peas, and spinach. Soon we’ll be seeing and tasting our first harvest of strawberries. I bought several flats of strawberries last season and froze them. I’m just finishing up the last of them, so I’m looking forward to replenishing my supply.

April is also Earth Month, which is a natural time for us to pause and reflect on something that is at the core of the work we do: sustainability.

At the Co-op, sustainability isn’t a campaign or a once-a-year focus. It’s part of how we make decisions every day, from how we source food and operate our stores, to how we show up in our community. It’s also one of the primary goals in our Strategic Plan, because we believe a healthy community and sustainable food system are inseparable.

That work is happening in ways both big and small. In case you haven’t seen it already, here’s a link to our 2026 Annual Report. Some of the sustainability highlights include:

Last year, we diverted over 85% of our operational waste away from landfills through recycling and composting programs.
We reduced single-use plastic utensils by 70% through our Bring It Back program — keeping tens of thousands of plastics out of the waste stream and saving the Co-op $10,000.
Our Holly Street solar array generated more than 75,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, covering 81% of the building’s electricity needs.

Those are meaningful steps. But what matters just as much is how those efforts connect to something bigger.

Sustainability, to us, is about stewardship — of the land, of our local food system, and of our community. When you shop at the Co-op, you support local farmers, keep dollars circulating in our regional economy, and participate in a food system built on care and responsibility for future generations.

I was reminded of the strength of this community at our recent Annual Member Meeting. We had more than 300 members join us (our largest turnout since before COVID) and it was truly gratifying to see so many of you in the room! The Annual Meeting is a great example of what makes our Co-op different (and I think better) than other grocery stores. As a member, you’re not just a shopper — you’re an owner. You elect our Board of Directors and help shape the future of this organization. This is an incredibly meaningful act because feeding ourselves and our families is one of the most important things we do. Deepening our participation in the process empowers us in important ways.

Earth Month is also a chance to come together and learn, share ideas, and take action as a community. Here are a few things we have coming up:

Community Shopping Day (April 18)
Two percent of the day’s sales will support Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County, helping provide essential resources and care for survivors.
Earth Day Tree Giveaway (April 22 from 3 to 6 p.m.)
We’re partnering with Plantas Nativa to give away native tree starts at both stores. These trees help restore habitat, support wildlife, and contribute to a healthier local ecosystem.
Member Bulk Sale (April 22–28)
Members save 25% on bulk goods. Buying in bulk is one of the simplest ways to reduce packaging and food waste, while also saving money, as bulk foods almost always cost less than their packaged counterparts.
Zero Waste Workshop (April 23)
Our Board Chair, Laura Weiss, will lead a member-exclusive workshop focused on practical ways to reduce plastic and waste both at home and when shopping at the Co-op.
Community Change Fund: Lhaq’temish Foundation
This month, your register donations support food sovereignty efforts within the Lummi Nation, and help to provide garden supplies, education, and resources that strengthen self-sufficiency.

All of these efforts reflect something we talk about often at the Co-op: Small actions, taken together, add up to meaningful impact.

We know we don’t have all the answers, and we’re not perfect. But we are committed to continuing to learn, improve, and do our part, alongside you.

Thank you for supporting our Co-op and for helping us build a more sustainable future, one sustainable food choice at a time.

With gratitude,

Lisa Sedlar
CEO/General Manager