by Timothy Rutt
The Arroyo Food Co-op (Altadenablog sponsor) will have its annual meeting on Saturday, May 18, at its new store site at 494 N. Wilson Avenue in Pasadena, from 2-4 PM.
The new board of directors slate will be announced at the meeting, and it will double as an open house for those members who were unable to attend the April 25 open house event. A potluck dish is requested for the meeting, and it's BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair).
The first open house drew more than 100 co-op members, friends, and neighborhood residents to tour the building and receive information about the co-op's capital campaign.
"The beauty of opening our store in a neighborhood market is that we become part of the neighborhood itself. In fact, many of our neighbors came out to the Open House and are already supporting the Co-op,” said Board President Tricia Keane, one of five directors running for re-election, in a press release. “There's nothing quite like meeting the people next door and realizing that they are excited to see you move in."
Voting for the 2013 Arroyo Food Co-op Board of Directors is now taking place online through May 17, with results to be announced at the annual meeting. According to the bylaws, only members can attend the annual meeting; however, the co-op will continue to take memberships up to and during the annual meeting.
The Co-op is seeking approximately $320,000 in loans, primarily from its members, to refurbish the store and stock its shelves. So far, the project has taken in more than $100,000 in loans, donations, and membership fees, with nearly $10,000 raised just during the April 25 open house. The co-op is also encouraging members to reach their full membership investment. Memberships are $300, but it can be paid in installments as low as $30 per year. The co-op currently counts 590 fully and partially-vested members.
The co-op’s mission is: “To engage the ecologically aware hearts, minds and stomachs of our area by offering the most earth-friendly grocery products and services available. To consistently search for better offerings and to support suppliers that are working toward the same goals. The Arroyo Food Cooperative will differentiate itself in the marketplace by empowering our members with practical product choices, thoughtful education/social opportunities and substantial entrepreneurship encouragement – all with an emphasis on supporting a sustainable local economy and strengthening our community.”
Anyone can shop at the co-op, but those who make an investment and become member-owners receive additional benefits, including patronage refunds during profitable years. The full investment to join is $300; however the co-op offers a payment plan of $30 per year. For more information about the Arroyo Food Co-op, including a membership application and loan information, visit www.arroyofoodcoop.com.
