As we gear up for strategic planning in 2026, I’m keeping my eyes open for other business models that food co-ops engage in. I was intrigued to see that our Co-op Food Store friends in the Upper Valley operate a floral delivery service. It’s interesting to know that food co-ops in our area, besides selling food, also have bought a hardware store, run a gas station and service station, and also deliver flowers.  

Our mission statement goes beyond food and groceries; we’re broadly committed to creating and sustaining “thriving cooperative commerce.” Might we want to bring the co-op model to other types of businesses in our area? 

Heard from customers at Co-op Connects 

On Saturday, Dec. 6, General Manager Mary Mullally and I stood in the store, serving local cider and Italian amaretto cookies, as part of our almost-monthly “ask us anything” Co-op Connects sessions. Here are some of the things we heard from the people who stopped by:  

• Three 20-somethings living in Florida made the Co-op their first stop in Vermont. One of them had grown up here, and when her grandparents picked them up at the airport in Burlington, she insisted they drive directly to the Co-op.  
• If the store is expanded, it would be great to build a play space for kids, where parents could leave their kids while shopping. 
• The fish in the hot bar is delicious. 
• Expand the store.  
• More parking and better flow of cars in the parking lot are needed.  
• One long-time member had detailed questions about pricing, like whether we took a higher margin on processed foods from further away (e.g., chips and soda) so we could keep prices lower for local products (we do). They were also interested in helping the council by serving on a committee. (You can, too—see below!) 
• A lot of general kudos: “You guys are doing a great job,” “Keep doing what you’re doing,” “You guys have perfected it.” 

If you’ve missed us in a previous Co-op Connects, or want to connect again, please join Mary, me, and possibly another council member for our next Co-op Connects on Sunday, Jan. 25, 12:00 – 1:00 pm. We’d love to chat with you about the past, present, or future of the Co-op – or anything else on your mind. Look for signs to find us. 

The Co-op wants YOU—to help the council 

The council gets a big boost in its work from member-owners who aren’t council members. For years, for example, non-council members have served on the Ballot Committee and HMCCF advisory committee.  

The council is starting to operate through a number of standing committees, and we’re looking for other member-owners to help us on those. They include committees on Sustainability and Resilience; Community Engagement; Governance; and Council Development (recruitment and continuing education). If you’re interested in any of these, please email me.

The Wrap 

Patient: Doctor, you’ve got to help me. I can’t stop thinking I may be a goat. 

Doctor: How long have you had this problem? 

Patient: Ever since I was a kid.

—Carl Etnier, Council President

Do you have any questions or comments about the council? Do you know any jokes even faintly related to food and/or co-ops? Please email them to me!