Semi-Annual Board Updates

June 2025

Dearest Esteemed Co-op Owners,

The Moonflower Board of Directors has still had an eye on possibilities for growth, although we have been taking things slowly given the current climate of instability and the lack of real estate options that would feel like the right fit. We are moving forward with a market study and financial study to determine feasibility of different types of growth to better serve our community and we look forward to narrowing in on what that could look like.

Our overall profit margins have seen slight shrinkage over 2024, so we are working on ideas to support profitability so we can keep up with wage growth for employees and continue working toward more frequent discounts for owners. Expenses have increased from supply to payroll and have eaten into our margins. MCC prioritizes employee well being and is actively pursuing ways to expand market sales to a larger portion of the community and tourists to maintain competitive compensation and value to owners.

We are close to implementing a senior discount pilot program for a limited number of low income seniors. Keep an eye out for an announcement about that soon.

We also completed a staff survey earlier this year and are working toward accessible deliverables to support employee culture. One of these projects includes wage transparency guidelines.

The Board also has three seats that are expiring, and current board members are planning on running for reelection. If you are interested in running for one of these seats, please find more info and the application under the “Serve on the Board of Directors” tab on this page. The terms are 2-3 years, depending on how the election shakes out, the commitment is 9 hours per month (give or take), and Board members receive a store discount at Moonflower. The deadline to apply is July 10th.

We welcome owner comments at the beginning of each of our monthly meetings – don’t hesitate to reach out or show up for discussion. We normally meet every third Thursday at 5:30 on the MARC patio. You can email board@moonflower.coop or check the “Attend Monthly Board Meetings” tab for more info.

Warmly,

Your Moonflower Board of Directors

2025

July 17th
June 26th
May 15
April 17
March 20
February 21st-22nd – Annual Board Retreat
January 16

2024

December 11
November 21
October 14
September 19
July 18
June 13
May 23
April (annual board retreat; no regular meeting)
March 21
February 22
January 18

2023

December 14
November 16
October 26
September 15
August 13 – Annual Owner Meeting Presentation
July 20
June 15
May 18
April (annual board retreat; no regular meeting)
March 16
February 16
January 19

2022

December 15th
November 17th
October 20th
September 15th
August 13th – Annual Owner Meeting Presentation
August 4th (July meeting)
June 15th
May 18th
April 17th
March 16th
February 16th
January 19th

Serve on the Board of Directors!

Members of the Board of Directors provide democratic, representative governance to Moonflower Community Co-op, a member-owned food cooperative. Consider applying to join the Board of Directors today!

The Board plays a vital role in the long-term health and welfare of the cooperative through setting a mission and vision as well as overseeing the General Manager and proactively managing the financial viability of the cooperative.

What is the Board’s role?

The Board of Directors is representative of co-op members/owners and is responsible for the overall well-being of Moonflower Community Cooperative. The Board exercises its authority through its relationship with the General Manager, whom it hires and monitors.

The Board does not involve itself in operational details. They do not make decisions about what the co-op stocks, the specifics of personnel issues, or the day-to-day operations.

Requirements:

The requirements for board service are written in our by-laws, legal documents governing Moonflower’s management. Accordingly, applicants must:

• Be eighteen years of age or older
• Not have any overriding conflict of interest with the cooperative
• Have been a co-op member for at least 6 months prior to the annual meeting
• Be able and willing to commit up to 10 hours per month and serve a 3-year term
• Prepare for and participate in monthly Board meetings, the annual Board workshop, and the co-op annual meeting
• Be available via phone or email between meetings as necessary
• Not have any demonstrated hostility towards the cooperative or any personal agenda contrary to the best interests of the cooperative

The benefits of becoming a Board member are many, but just a few are:

• Helping to support Moonflower in its mission “to provide socially responsible foods, goods and education to promote a healthy, sustainable community”
• Giving back to the community through your service on the Board
• Helping to diversify the Moonflower Board through your unique background and experience
• Receiving a 20% discount on purchases at Moonflower and a reduced markup on special orders

How to apply:

Board Member Applications will become available in 2026 preceding the Annual Owner Meeting. Keep an eye out beginning early June. If you have any questions, contact the Board at board@moonflower.coop.

Moonflower Community Co-op’s (MCC) Board of Directors Policies & Processes describes the co-op’s mission and vision, the responsibilities of the Board, and more.

MCC’s Executive Expectations/Limitations outlines the responsibilities of the General Manager and their relationship to the Board.

MCC’s By-Laws (updated and approved on 8/21/2021 during the 2021 Annual Meeting)