MFC Adopts 8th Cooperative Principle
Medford Food Co-op’s mission is to cultivate a thriving local food economy, and a vibrant, inclusive community. As a cooperative, we embrace the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of co-ops worldwide, our owners believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. These values, along with the Cooperative Principles, were adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) as part of the Cooperative Identity in 1995. These values are essential to who we are as a cooperative, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to them as they guide our daily operations and long-term planning here at MFC.
The ICA describes the Cooperative Principles as "guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice." For years, co-ops considered adding an eighth cooperative principle supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the seven formally recognized by the ICA. National Co+op Grocers (NCG), along with US credit unions, adopted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as the 8th Cooperative Principle in 2023, and actively encouraged the ICA to do the same.
Last year, our Board of Directors joined a growing number of cooperatives who have chosen to formally adopt the eighth principle. This principle reaffirms that cooperatives are stronger when we make a proactive effort to engage everyone in governance, management, and representation. It reflects our conviction that cultivating a diverse, inclusive community makes us more resilient and better able to serve our owners and neighbors.
Medford Food Co-op's board and leadership are committed to fostering a culture that reflects the values inherent in our cooperative identity. Together, we will continue to build a welcoming and inclusive community.