June Update

I hope this month finds everyone in good health and high spirits as summer approaches. We are finishing up our fiscal year, and planning for next year and beyond is well underway.  At the heart of the BFC is a deep commitment to serving our community, and developing a clear vision and responsible financial plan is critical to our ability to do so. Through our annual planning process, our team identifies key strategic initiatives that align with our Ends. Our creative, passionate team has identified dozens of things that we would like to achieve that will keep us busy for years to come. Our challenge now is to formulate a plan that will bring these ideas to life. In that context, there are two areas I would like to expand on this month.

From a growth perspective, we are excited to announce a new strategic partnership forged with Potash Hill (formerly the Marlboro College campus). The BFC will be providing food service for the upcoming music festival this year.  This is an annual, internationally recognized event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide a menu that features healthy food from local growers. In addition, we will be working side by side with the Potash Hill team to provide catering to the guests of Potash Hill throughout the year. This is a strong partnership between two community-focused organizations, and we are looking forward to growing with them! Check out more news about Potash Hill at potashhill.org!

Another way that we contribute to our community, and perhaps the most important one, is as an employer. The BFC employs over 150 people from the area, and it is important that the jobs we create enable our team to achieve their personal and professional goals. Ultimately our success depends on the well-being of our staff, who are increasingly feeling the strain of inflation and rising housing costs. We are in the last year of our current Union contract, and negotiations for our next contract are underway. We are working closely with our UFCW partners and are committed to securing fair and equitable compensation that not only acknowledges the hard work of our team but also helps them navigate the increasingly challenging economic landscape. Everyone in Brattleboro benefits when our downtown area can provide stable jobs that pay a fair wage.

Of course, there is much more that we would like to accomplish. The list encompasses everything from expanded bulk products and compostable containers to better parking solutions and alternative proteins (aka edible bugs!). However, supporting our staff and investing in the community will always remain front and center. When you shop at the Brattleboro Food Co-op, over 40% of every dollar goes back into the local economy. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. As storied as our history is, I believe the best is yet to come!

By Lee Bradford, General Manager