Opening Statements (LFC's Radish SS19)

Ten Years of Community Service & Cooperation

Jessy Smith, Littleton Food Cooperative.

From the General Manager's Desk

Ed King, General Manager

We've always considered Sustainability to be a key component of our mission ↙

We have an active employee “Green Team” committee that makes recommendations to Management on ways we can improve recycling in our store, we choose more ecologically friendly packaging and actively work to reduce our carbon footprint. Another initiative gaining traction (both locally and nationally) is the “Ban the Bag” movement. In fact, the New Hampshire legislature is currently debating just such a measure for 2020. We've always encouraged the use of reusable bags — but have also always had a plastic option available for our customers as well. Starting on June 1, however, we will no longer have single-use plastic bags available at the register. Instead, we will have recycled paper bags which customers can purchase for a dime each. We’ll also have for purchase a large variety of reusable bags at affordable prices to encourage their use. We decided to take this initiative before we are legally required to because it fits our mission and it is the right thing to do. We know that paper bags are not the answer, even if they are made from recycled paper. Manufacturing paper bags requires more energy and water resources than plastic. The real answer is to promote reusable bags whenever possible. We are looking at all of our plastic usage in the store and are transitioning to better options slowly but surely. Many of the alternatives are more expensive, or don’t meet our quality standards. We don’t want to sacrifice food safety in this transition process. Please bear with us as we experiment with different options throughout the store, and we welcome your feedback. I understand that there are divergent views on this topic. Many of our customers wanted us to do this years ago, while others are perfectly happy the way things are. Change is always a challenge, but we feel as an organization that the time for this change is now.

Remembering our Friend

Trish O'Brien, Fmr. President of the Board & Coop Member.

I've been asked, as the former President of the Board, to deliver some sad news. Our friend, colleague, and fellow Board Member, Tom Southworth, passed away peacefully in his home on February 16th of this year.

I first met Tom Southworth twentytwo years ago as a stranger who, by pure coincidence, had stopped in my driveway to ask for directions. For me, though, it was as if he'd fallen from the heavens. I'll explain — Tom was a gifted timber framer and we were looking at exactly that method of construction for the home we were planning at the time. Through the planning and construction of our frame, Tom (along with his late brother Harry) were wonderful to work with on every level. Our friendship continued throughout the years.

In Memory of our Friend & Colleague, Tom Southworth. 1944 — 2019

Some of you may remember the Littleton Food Co-op before it had a bit more to the West. When we were considering partners for the Expansion Project my mind went directly to the amazing experience we'd had building our home with Tom, seeing firsthand his depth of knowledge and experience in the building trade. I approached him and asked if he'd consider joining our Board of Directors — and the rest is history! Tom fought hard for our solar panels and worked even harder to keep the costs within our budget. Given the chance to lead a tour of the expanded building, Tom would proudly explain how the new building used roughly the same amount of energy as the original store did before the expansion. He'd continue, proudly, that this was possible because of the new solar panels on the building and the pavilion.

Beyond all of that know-how being put to great use — Tom was one of the nicest, smartest, calm, and sincere men I have had the privilege to know. It's a gross understatement to say that I, everyone here at the Littleton Food Coop, and many others, will miss him. To his loved ones, I extend the heartfelt condolences and support of our cooperative community. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that we do something kind for another.

Rest well, my friend.