Dear Owners,
Your voice matters – especially now. Your voice is the power behind the democratic processes that govern our co-op. Thank you for casting your vote in the 2025 Board of Directors Election. The Election Committee will be meeting within the week to count the votes and produce the official results.
It still bears reminding that the Co-op is facing a serious crossroads. Without meaningful support and action from our community, we are at risk of insolvency and potential closure. This is a hard truth but not the whole story.
Concurrently, we’re seeing renewed energy, bold ideas, and a growing number of owners stepping up with creativity, care, and commitment. That’s what gives us hope and the drive to persevere.
Food co-ops are more than stores; they are movements for shared power, community resilience, and democratic ownership. In a moment like this, your engagement isn’t just important; it can determine our future.
Here’s how you can take action this week:
Missed the Town Hall? Join Us On Zoom TODAY, August 11 @ 6:30pm
Our July Town Hall was lightly attended. However, the content and conversations we’re sharing are vital to the Co-op’s future. That’s why we’re hosting an online session via Zoom on Monday, August 11th at 6:30pm — to make it easier for more owners to tune in, ask questions, and shape what comes next.
To join via computer:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3777153488?pwd=QVhYTXZWTHI3VzRVMWJ3NlFEYzBFUT09&omn=82159486421
Meeting ID: 377 715 3488
Passcode: IVFC
To join via phone:
Call 1 (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 377 715 3488
Passcode: 672404
Whether you shop weekly or haven’t visited in a while, this is a moment to reconnect and be heard.
What we’ll cover:
- A clear, honest look at our financial state and what’s at stake
- The recovery plan in progress — including your role in shaping it
- Updates on what’s already improving
- A call for support and new leadership, including an urgent need for an Interim Store Coordinator
- Opportunities to get involved — from fundraising to Tiger Teams
We’ll also hold space for your reflections and feedback; this plan is still evolving, and your voice matters.
Click here to view the presentation slides.
Let’s come together to protect and reimagine our Co-op. See you next Monday!
Take the Input Survey – Help Shape What’s Next
We’re shaping our recovery plan now, and your input is vital to getting it right. Whether you’re a regular shopper or haven’t been by in a while, your perspective as an owner makes a difference.
So far, owners have asked for better deli pricing and simpler grab-and-go meals, more bulk and local products, improved hours, and creative ways to connect — from produce specials to local art pop-ups. Feedback like this is already helping guide our priorities.
What’s working for you as a shopper or owner?
What’s not?
What would inspire you — or others — to shop, support, or engage more?
Click here to take the Input Survey.
You’re welcome to respond to any or all of the topics:
- Product Selection & Pricing
- Deli & Prepared Foods
- Marketing & Promotions
- What Would Help the Co-op Thrive?
- Owner Engagement
Let’s build the future of our co-op, together.
Upcoming Events:
- TODAY, August 11th – Online Owner Town Hall @6:30pm
- Wednesday, August 13th – Work in Progress Wednesday(Craft Night), IV Patio
- Wednesday, August 20th – Board of Directors Meeting @6:30pm
- Saturday, August 23rd – August Owner Gathering/Town Hall @2pm
- Wednesday, August 27th – Work in Progress Wednesday (Craft Night), IV Patio
- Monday, September 1st – First Monday Co-op Support Market, DT Market
Subscribe to our NEW shared calendar (board events only).
Interim Store Coordinator – We’re Exploring This Option
The Board is considering a short-term Interim Store Coordinator to support daily operations, staff, and sales during this critical recovery phase. This is not a GM role — it’s a bridge position while we shape our long-term leadership model.
Know someone with experience in cooperative retail and values-driven operations?
Send referrals to: board@islavistafood.coop
A Director’s Departure
This past week, the Board received the resignation of Neal Singh, our Treasurer and Fundraising Tiger Team Leader. Neal’s dedication to the development of our business plan, fundraising strategy, and to the co-op’s financial wellness have set us on a path towards recovery. While it will be hard fought, we thank Neal for leaving us with the tools to persevere.
Tiger Team Updates: What’s New This Week?
Here’s what’s happening across our Tiger Teams:
- Customer Satisfaction Team
- Director Bill rescheduled the weekly meeting for this Thursday 8/14 at 6pm on the co-op patio. Have ideas on how customer satisfaction can be improved? Email the board to get connected with Bill.
- Owner Engagement Team
- Director Megan is holding meetings biweekly on Sunday but with a new time of 6:30pm! Please join us this Sunday, 8/17 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Meanwhile, owner comment is still welcome on the Register Round-Up Proposal.
- Store Improvements and Fixes Team
- Director Eric empowered a member of the team to replace light bulbs in Isla Vista and remove the posts in the parking lot. We plan to schedule repairs to the wood on the IV patio. Another owner volunteered to join the team. Suggestions and input from owners and customers is welcome.
Bill’s Compost Corner
The Isla Vista Food Co-op has composted its produce waste and food scraps for its whole life, over 50 years. For the lucky composters this has been a score, as the food waste is almost 100% organic.
In the early 1980s, there were vibrant community plots and guerrilla farming operations on Estero Road, near the Red Barn, and across Estero Road. A clever system was developed using waste straw (i.e. horse bedding from the stables dropped for free by Marborg Industries), wire and wood veneer produce boxes, and food waste. Vertical cylindrical piles were created with thick straw for walls and the bottom, the week’s worth of produce waste dumped in the center and covered with another thick layer of straw. The odor was minimized by the straw so the pile did not attract rodents. The perimeter of the cylinder was held together with 4 or 5 deconstructed wire and wood produce boxes connected end to end to form the cylinder. As the pile grew taller week to week, the outside perimeter of repurposed produce boxes was pulled up.
After a couple of months, when the pile was so tall that it would begin to sag to one side, the wire and wood was unhooked and then hooked back together on the ground somewhere else in the garden and a new vertical cylinder pile was built. In 3 or 4 months, without any turning, the microbes and worms and arthropods had created excellent compost ready for use.
Keep Building Momentum:
Every action helps move us forward. Here’s how you can support the Co-op’s recovery and growth:
Shop the Co-op – Every purchase makes a difference. Summertime in IV means easier parking—bring a friend!
Make a Donation – Any amount helps us stay strong.
Donate via GoFundMe or through our website.
Give a Tax-Deductible Gift of $500+ – For larger contributions, please contact board@islavistafood.coop
Connect Us with Like-Minded Businesses – Help us grow partnerships that strengthen the local economy and community.
Join a Tiger Team – Lend your skills and energy to a focused, collaborative project team.
Storefront Updates:
Special Orders now redirected to: volume@islavistafood.coop
Isla Vista is now open Tuesdays
Bulk is coming to Downtown! Send us your preferences.
Board Updates:
We look forward to welcoming the new directors to the Board at the August Board Meeting.
Update Your Contact Info:
It’s now easier than ever to keep your info up to date. Just log in to our Webcart portal with your owner number to update your email, phone number, or mailing address.
Share Your Story:
We’re gathering owner testimonials to feature on our website, social media, donation platforms—and in our upcoming business plan. Your voice helps show the real impact this Co-op has in our community.
Thank you for showing up.Your continued engagement makes the Co-op possible.In cooperation,
Your Board of Directors
