by Daniel Smith – Board Member

The Medford Food Co-op annual owner meeting was held at the Co-op on May 1, 2022. It was a beautiful afternoon. These local and regional vendors were on site offering free samples: Paulazzo Pasticceria with vegan, gluten free cupcakes; Wilderness Poets with pecan butter and pumpkin seed butter; Mido’s Miso with chickpea miso; Killer Keto Snacks with keto crackers; Cafe Mam with coffee; Gimme Some Gabby’s with vegan nacho cheez; Quady North, Circadian Cellars, and AlAnne Vineyard poured wine samples; and Harper’s Sweet Cream Ice Cream served ice cream from their mobile ice cream tricycle in front of the store.

Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of the event was that – given the drop in COVID cases at the time – it was a unanimous Board decision to make the meeting an in-person affair. As a relatively new Board member participating in the owner meeting for the first time, it was wonderful to experience a sense of restoration of community at the Co-op for the first time in two years.

The purpose of the annual meeting is three-fold. First, our bylaws require an annual meeting of owners. Second, the event allows owners to receive reports on governance, operations, and finances; and to express both their joys and concerns about being Co-op shoppers. Finally, the annual meeting gives the staff at the Co-op and the Board a chance to convey their appreciation to the community for its support during an extremely trying two year period.

Many topics were brought up by individual owners during the meeting. To the question “What do you like about shopping at the Co-op” answers included the individualized service, the small personal family feeling, the organic produce selection, the trees!, the special attention given to each owner such as being known on a first name basis, the satisfaction of supporting a local, farm-based business, the efforts made to reduce waiting time in line, and the music selection.

To the question “What vision do you have for the Co-op” folks expressed a desire for more community involvement with an aspiration for more young owner participation.

Most owners know of the intention for the Co-op to expand at some point in the future. To the question “What would you like to see in a larger store?” owner answers included: more deli options including baked goods, responsibly raised meat choices, fish, shelf labels that identify common allergens e.g.vegan or gluten free, a pet section and in-store features that allow owners to connect with local producers e.g. QR codes linked to videos or iPads playing looped videos that describe the product or its source. Some of the owners expressed trepidation at the prospect of expansion. A loss of what makes the Co-op a desirable place to shop, difficulty in finding quality staff and a dilution of products with those less pure were three of the top concerns.

Finally, some suggestions were made about “how can we increase ownership/shopping at the Co-op”. These included advertising to increase awareness of the Co-op’s existence, improved outreach to outlying areas especially to farms in the Applegate, attendance at the “Made in Southern Oregon” event, discounts for owners under 25 and over 70, apprenticeships at the store, more volunteer opportunities and providing incentives to owners to bring in new owners.

We host the annual meeting once a year, but this does not mean you should wait until then to speak up. As an owner, know that the Board welcomes your opinion and values your participation at any time! The Board meets regularly on the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm. Board meetings are currently held in the Cafe and are open to owners. You may also contact the Board via email at board@medfordfood.coop.