Dear Community Food Cooperators,
Over the past few months, we have been reflecting on our rapidly changing and increasingly polarized world, and we believe it’s important to speak with purpose and clarity as it relates to those in our community who are defined by immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, and other marginalized identities.
Our Shared Values in Challenging Times
Now more than ever, it is essential that we reaffirm our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have the power to shape our local community by standing together and supporting those who are most vulnerable. As a community-owned cooperative, equity is at the heart of our mission, and we remain dedicated to building a more inclusive community for all.
Recognizing All Gender Identities
At Community Food Co-op, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone is welcome, respected, and celebrated. Our support for transgender, queer, and gender-expansive colleagues, customers, and vendors remains steadfast — regardless of external pressures. We see you and we value you for exactly who you are. The diverse contributions of our community make our cooperative community stronger, and while we pride ourselves on being a place that welcomes everyone, we also maintain a firm commitment to ensuring a respectful environment where hateful speech or actions are not welcome.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
For 55 years, Community Food Co-op has intentionally embraced and advanced the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that these values are essential to our success. Our commitment strengthens our business, fosters innovation, and enhances our ability to serve a diverse community with exceptional service and high-quality, local and organic foods.
As a learning organization, we are committed to continuous growth, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of the work we do. We apply an equity lens to our staffing, operations, purchasing decisions, and everyday interactions. DEI is not a task to be completed or a movement that comes and goes; it is rather an ongoing commitment — one that demands regular evaluation, feedback and dedication to building a more just and inclusive community.
Affirming Our Support for Immigrants
We also wish to reaffirm our care and support for immigrants within our community. The rich tapestry of cultures represented at our Cooperative makes us stronger and more vibrant. Immigrants are a cherished piece of our cultural mosaic. We remain committed to the care and support of our multicultural staff, our members, farm workers, producers, and those in our broader community, because no human being is illegal — our shared humanity binds us together and every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to belong.
Supporting Local Economies Amid Tariff Changes
One of the defining features of our cooperative is our commitment to sourcing local products. Nearly one-third of our food is sourced from within the Pacific Northwest. During the summer months, our Produce departments are brimming with Whatcom- and Skagit-grown fruits and vegetables. We recently met with several of our local farmers for a crop planning session. These meetings do more than plan for the season ahead — they ensure farmers have robust retail outlets, which helps ensure our farmland stays in agricultural production and it helps bridge the urban-rural divide, bringing us together through our shared connection to food.
Moving Forward Together
As we navigate these changing times, I encourage everyone to come together, extend compassion, and support one another. Our Cooperative was founded on the principles of local solidarity, and it is through our united efforts that we overcome challenges with the goal of building a more equitable place for all.
Every time you shop with us, you are voting with your dollars to support the cooperative ownership model. Unlike traditional investor-driven businesses, co-ops prioritize community well-being and long-term stability, creating a fairer and more sustainable way to do business.
We are proud to operate community-owned stores that place people and community at the forefront. Together, we will continue to stand strong, nurture our shared values, and move forward with resilience and hope.
Thank you for supporting Community Food Co-op for the past 55 years.
I welcome your feedback. You can reach me directly at: [email protected].
With gratitude,
Lisa Sedlar
GM/CEO
Community Food Co-op
