GM Update Spring 2025
“If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear.
If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness and creativity.”
― Eckhart Tolle
“Now a cold awareness of the uncertainty of all life, no matter how careful the planning, hollowed emptily in the pit of her stomach.”
-Madeline L’Engle
We are certainly living in interesting times. It feels like waking up every morning to a new challenge that must be overcome, a new test of our resolve. When so much feels uncertain, I want to remind you that your co-op is here for everyone, every day. We continue to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors and strive to make a positive impact on our community because that is who we are and what we do. It’s because of your support and patronage that we can keep making real, meaningful changes.
This month in honor of Earth Day every day, we will highlight the sustainable actions the Belfast Community Co-op takes daily to help protect our planet. We know there’s growing concern about plastic use in the world, and at the Co-op, we’re committed to doing our part. The challenges of running a retail store that seeks to meet the varied needs of a diverse community while still holding to our desire to act responsibly can be overwhelming. While we can’t solve every issue, we are making tangible strides. We are always striving to exceed owners’ expectations and looking for ways to serve our community better. This April we are excited to launch our Bring It Back silverware program, which aims to reduce single-use plastic cutlery. Read our blog for more details or visit our Café and learn how you can help out!
Another highlight from this past month was a recent visit from the new Wabanaki Benefit Foundation, our Common Cents recipient for February. We were honored to present them with a check for $6,055 of YOUR round-up donations to assist in their important work. Your support of diverse groups within our broader community is proof that when small groups of concerned individuals come together, they can truly make a difference. We are proud of the positive impact the Wabanaki Benefit Foundation is making and of our role in helping facilitate that work through Common Cents. I hope you’ll take a moment in these turbulent times to reflect on the ways our collective efforts benefit everyone.
In an era of unpredictability, when it feels like the protections put in place to safeguard the most vulnerable of us are falling away, know that you can continue to rely on your co-op. We remain steadfast in our mission to DO MORE GOOD for you and our community. Our doors are open every day to everyone, and that commitment will not change.
In case you were wondering how you as an individual can help, here are a few ways to make a difference:
- Your patronage is important! Even if you think you don’t have much to offer, know that every dollar you spend at the Co-op is valuable. By choosing to shop at our cooperative you are helping to keep more money in our local community. Every purchase supports 80+ workers, 240 local vendors, and countless others in our local food system.
- Serve your Co-op! We are just wrapping up this Board of Directors election cycle, however as owners you can always participate in Board committees that help guide the co-op. Reach out to your elected Board representatives to see how best to use your talents and abilities to help your Co-op!
- If you are in a position where you are able to dedicate your time, please consider reaching out to the aid organizations in our community that are helping those less fortunate. Below is a list of organizations that could use your help:
- Belfast Soup Kitchen www.belfastsoupkitchen.org/volunteer/
- Greater Bay Area Ministerium Food Cupboard www.gbamfood.org/volunteer
- Waldo Community Action Partners waldocap.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/
- Waldo County Bounty waldocountybounty.org/volunteer
- Additional Area food pantries: waldocountybounty.org/food-pantries
- If you’re in a strong financial position and previously participated in our capital campaign to raise funds for the renovation project, please consider donating your loan back to the Co-op. Your generosity will help us navigate the next few months of uncertainty and position us well for the future. Please reach out to Board@belfast.coop for more information.
During uncertain times it is more important than ever to take action. Do something positive. Small actions can help counter the fear and anxiety many of us feel. Whether it’s being a little more patient, showing a little more kindness, or just showing up, every small gesture makes a big difference.
Thank you for all that you do.
-Doug
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Co-op; it is our mission and our pleasure to bring locally-sourced, reasonably priced, organic and natural products to all.
Owned by you. Food for all.
