Update on Member Advocacy Request: Israeli-Produced Products

To our valued Co-op community, 

Recently, a group of members submitted a request asking the Co-op to remove all products produced in Israel and Israeli-occupied territories, citing grave human rights concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This request sparked a wide range of responses from other members — some in support of the boycott, others who feel deep concern about the potential impact such a decision could have on our Jewish community. Because this is the first time many of you have heard about this advocacy request, we want to clearly outline the process we followed, the values that guided us, and how we intend to move forward. 

At Community Food Co-op, we are governed by policies. Our Civic Engagement policies outline how the Board approaches member advocacy and product campaign requests. They ensure all requests are reviewed thoughtfully and consistently. In line with our advocacy process, the Board of Directors and our Membership Affairs Committee met multiple times to hear from members, review letters, conduct research, and seek clarity about our existing policies. The central question was whether to expand our Consumer Boycotts and Product Campaigns policy — historically used to target specific companies — to include country-based boycotts. 

After extensive listening, discussion, and reflection, the Board reached a consensus not to broaden the scope of this policy. Key concerns include: 

• Shifting the Co-op’s boycott framework from companies to include entire countries, which would represent a significant departure from past practice. 
• The potential to create an environment that feels unsafe or unwelcoming, especially for staff who would be engaged in politically charged discussions, and for some of our Jewish members who rely on the Co-op for culturally and religiously significant foods. 
• The possibility that this change could undermine our inclusive, community-oriented shopping experience.

We want to express our deep appreciation to every community member who shared their perspective. Your voices, communicated with care and respect, reflect the heart of what it means to be part of a cooperative. We also want to acknowledge the deep pain and urgency behind the original request, and we reaffirm our commitment to human rights and dignity for all people. We unequivocally condemn all acts of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and oppression in any form. 

Here at the Co-op, food is our lane. It’s also a powerful way to bring people together across differences, build community, and offer care in times of crisis. In this spirit, we will be making a donation to World Central Kitchen, who provides food relief in crisis zones around the globe, including areas impacted by the conflict in Gaza. We also recognize the urgent and growing need here at home. With federal cuts to Emergency Food Programs, many of our neighbors are experiencing hunger at record levels. This moment calls us to come together as a community to support one another. We invite everyone to participate in continuing to create local impact by donating to Bellingham Food Bank through our register donation program. By joining together, we can ensure that those who are food insecure in our community can access the nourishment they need. 

Thank you for being part of this important dialogue. These conversations reflect the complexity, challenges, and responsibilities of being a community-owned store — and they also highlight how together, we live our values with integrity and compassion. 

In solidarity and community, 
Community Food Co-op Board of Directors & CEO