Eight Ways to Support the Co-op

For businesses in New Brunswick, summer is a time when activity traditionally slows down.  The Co-op is no exception.  The student population is dramatically decreased.  People go on vacation.  The Co-op’s financial state is already fragile, so summer is a doubly challenging time for us.  On an organizational level, the Board of Directors continues to address the financial situation through actions such as refinancing, payroll cuts, outreach activities such as the recent “For the Health of It” event, and upgrades in the store.  Some actions, however, are most effectively carried out by individuals.  Friends introduced many of us to the Co-op.  In a sense, many of us have a personal connection to the Co-op and the viability is a matter of personal concern.  While the Board and committees play important roles in the success of the Co-op, the actions that we take as individuals probably have the most effect.

Here are some thoughts on what we can do as individuals to support and promote the Co-op:

1. Do more or most of your shopping at the Co-op.  Sometimes it is more convenient or easier to shop at other stores.  If each of us makes a commitment to doing more or most of our shopping at the Co-op, it will have a positive impact on sales.
2. Introduce your friends to the Co-op.  We will never be in a position to do a massive amount of advertising, and word of mouth introductions are the way that many of us first came to the Co-op.  You can introduce not only the Co-op to family, friends, and coworkers, but you can also introduce the idea of healthy eating.
3. Take advantage of store specials as well as the opportunity for special ordering, which is available to members.  If there is a product that the Co-op does not carry that you would like to buy, mention it to a staff or to the manager, Janet.  We are in the process of developing a Product Committee which will gather and provide member and shopper feedback on products.
4. Work in the store.  Working in the store provides necessary labor and reduces the workload for staff members.  It also enriches the fabric of the Co-op as a participatory organization.  Without working members, the Co-op loses a lot of what makes it distinctly different from other health food stores.
5. Provide leadership by joining the Board or a committee.  Each of us has a unique and valuable contribution to make to the Co-op.
6. Consider not taking your discount when you check out, or not taking it occasionally.  A number of Co-op members already forego their discounts as a show of support for the Co-op.  This is a personal decision that some may chose to make.
7. Host or attend a potluck event.  This is one way to introduce your friends and family to the Co-op community, while building new relationships.
8. Connect your group or organization to the Co-op.  The Co-op can be a galvanizing force for creating a broader, like-minded community.  For instance, the Co-op co-sponsored the recent “For the Health of It” event in conjunction with St.  Peters Hospital and the New Brunswick Rec Center.  Most of us are involved with the Co-op because we have commitments not only to healthy eating and living, but also to a healthier world.