General Manager Update

Sarah Hannigan

General Manager & Co-op Owner

Beyond Our Imaginations

‘K eep some room in your heart for the unimaginable’ nudges Mary Oliver in her poem Evidence. I love this. The reminder that out there - the Co-op’s organic waste in a different way to feed pigs, turkeys and chickens at their farm in Two Harbors. What’s old is new, and we’re so grateful for all the ways the Co-op brings us together. It feels good to be able to share this story of tucked in these pages. I do hope you’ll consider joining us on October 20th. See details on page 13. As a democratic organization, the voice of Owners is important. Our annual election runs from October 1st through 16th. This is beyond our plans, our dreams, and our wildest helping local businesses with initiatives that the time for you to elect Board members to imaginations - there is more, and this is where foster environmentally sound practices and the represent Owner interests. This year, you’ll see the magic happens. critical role of our community to help make some additions to the ballot including approval these connections. A needed dose of relative of minor technical edits to the Bylaws, and I’m quite certain the original members of the normalcy in a world that often feels strange approval of the 2019 Annual Owner Meeting buying club that started in the basement of the lately. minutes — which has typically taken place Chester Creek house in October of 1970 could at our Annual Meeting. This election cycle, not have imagined what would grow from the We continue to flex and adapt to challenges Owners will also use ranked choice voting to seeds they planted as they pooled resources posed by the global pandemic. Safety measures select some of the GIVE round-up recipients in a coffee can to purchase sacks of brown we’ve implemented at the stores to support for 2021. rice and bulgur wheat. Their collective action has sparked countless lasting connections and tremendous positive social and economic These roots are stronger You’ve likely already noticed the new format of our newsletter. The fresh design lends impact in our community. There is so much to than any one of us could to easier reading both in the print and celebrate and honor as our Co-op marks our 50th anniversary this month. have imagined as we digital format. Additionally, we’re realizing significant savings in the cost of production. put our shoulder to Closely managing our expenses is critical for This summer we put out a call for memories of the Co-op. We receive so many touching building and our heart in our cooperative, especially with economic uncertainty ahead. This is one example of our stories of friendships forged, meals shared, supporting our Co-op. work to reduce operational costs without hours volunteered, snowstorms endured, minimizing our positive impact. bulk bins cleaned, cardboard boxes flattened, honey spilled, neighbors fed, and community the health of staff and shoppers have become Our 50th anniversary celebration is not at all celebrated. You’ll find a selection of memories routine. But community engagement and what I envisioned. And yet, looking back over in the pages ahead – and through October, connection remain tricky in a time when the memories shared, I see that the collective we’ll share even more on our social media keeping one’s distance is top of mind. We commitment and passion for our Co-op has platforms. recently reimagined our community education nurtured a resilient system of roots. These and are now offering yoga, Qigong, cooking roots are stronger than any one of us could In another historical nod, featured in this issue classes and more through a virtual platform. have imagined as we put our shoulder to is the story of our organic waste and the life We’re grateful for the educators who have building and our heart in supporting our Co-op. it’s bringing back to the community thanks to helped us explore this new reality. both a long-term partnership and one of our I look forward to seeing what the next decades newest. Jeffrey “Hobbs” Quast, Owner #19, is We’ve also moved our Annual Owners Meeting hold for our Co-op — that which we plan and a staple of the Co-op, and has been picking up to the virtual space. While we can’t gather build together, as well as that which we allow to Hillside’s organic waste for years — turning it together for a meal this year, we are hoping to surprise us. into rich, black soil for local gardeners. Over create an interactive and fun time for Owners. on the other side of town at our Denfeld store, The event will celebrate our 50th Anniversary In cooperation and with gratitude, a new relationship is being forged with Salt & and elaborate on the highlights of the Annual Sarah Light Heritage farm. Owner Leah Bailey is using Report for fiscal year 2020, which you’ll find sarah@wholefoods.coop