Dear Owners,
Your voice matters! That is what makes cooperatives unique! As an owner, it is your duty and privileged responsibility to engage in the democratic processes that govern your co-op. While the organization is in crisis, it is of the utmost importance that members rise to the occasion and aid the Board in guiding the co-op back to sustainable operation. Cooperatives are a movement towards economic and social democracy. This bulletin serves to inform you, our greatest stakeholder, and request your commitment to participation. We thank you for your attention.
With this in mind, this is the final week to cast your vote for the 2025 Board of Directors. In addition to choosing new leadership, owners are voting on a proposal to expand the Board by two seats — a change unanimously supported by current directors to increase capacity and representation.
Voting closes Sunday, August 10th at 11:59pm
Vote online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IVFC2025Election
Or vote in-store / by phone: (805) 699-5685
Click here for candidate bios, full details, and to access your ballot online or in-store.
Missed the Town Hall? Join Us On Zoom Monday, August 11 @ 6:30pm
Our July Town Hall was lightly attended — but 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.
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 – Downtown Co-op Support Market, 11am–3pm
- Thursday, August 7th – Customer Satisfaction Meeting @ 6pm
- Sunday, August 10th – Board of Directors Voting closes at 11:59pm
- Monday, 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
Subscribe to our NEW shared calendar.
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
Tiger Team Updates: What’s New This Week?
Here’s what’s happening across our Tiger Teams:
- Customer Satisfaction Team
- Director Bill is holding the next meeting this Thursday, August 7th at 6pm on the Co-op Patio in Isla Vista.
- Owner Engagement Team
- Director Megan is asking for interested owners to input their availability to this When2Meet to decide on a new meeting time. Input has been requested on incorporated edits to the register round-up proposal.
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 treasurer@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
Board Updates:
We encourage owners to vote!
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
