Central Co-op is an independent, member-owned natural foods cooperative, but you don't have to be a member to shop. Come visit us at our home here in the heart of Seattle.

We invite you to share our commitment to products that are ethically-traded and sustainably-produced, and support producers within our local food economy. We offer a wide array of products, with a great selection of organics and foods for special and restricted diets. And consider becoming an owner to receive additional benefits and to become part of the Co-op community. Click here to join today!
 

FEATURED PRODUCT

Core Foods Raw Warrior and Defender Bars, 3 oz.

Are you a defender or a warrior? Core Nutrition bars offer the best for whatever your needs are for the day. Replace that scone or muffin with a bar and 2 glasses of water to maintain 4 hours of stable energy. Made from fresh organic food, with no additional sweeteners, these bars really pack a punch.

$4.39 each | Everyday Low Price

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Central Co-op is owned and directed by members of the community, keeping us rooted in our common values and accountable to our stakeholders. As an owner, you have the opportunity to help vision for the co-op's future by serving on the Board of Trustees. Sound like the kind of satisfying challenge you're up for? Fantastic! Read on for more information.
 

Central Register

Governance Shift at Central Co-op

by elaine nonneman, board president

President's Note To Owners

Warm greetings to the owners of Central Co-op! Many of you know me as a new trustee in 2012, and my becoming Board President in the March meeting may have surprised you. I'm writing here on recent decisions of the board, and reasoning I have followed in these, to acquaint you with me. This is not a message speaking for the board.

Inside Trustee

At January's board meeting, a group of owners on Co-op staff presented a list of grievances related to governance practices, including the cancellation of voting rights of the Inside Trustee (IT). That position is defined as Ex-Officio in Bylaw 5.3: "The employees of the corporation, other than management shall elect an employee to the Board for a one, two or three-year term according to rules established by the employees." The other ex-officio trustee defined in Bylaw 5.3 is our GM: "The General Manager shall be an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board…" Only the GM position is defined as non-voting. Bylaw 5.4 states: "… each remaining trustee shall be elected by the membership and shall serve for a three-year term… No membership elected trustee my serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms." Note the distinction between trustees elected by membership and by employees. You can find the Articles and Bylaws on our website.

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