Help Plan the Future of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op!
Would you like to get involved in helping plan the future of Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op? We are excited to invite you to apply for a position on the Long-Range Planning Community Engagement Committee!
Our Co-op continues to grow in both membership and sales, and this growth makes it possible to expand the positive impact that MNFC has in the community.
We provide healthy food to more people, support more local producers, and return profits back to the community, for example.
But this growth has also meant that the workspaces for staff are tightly packed and sometimes dangerous, that the parking lot is often full, that the store can be crowded, and that there is less space for storage than is needed, among other concerns.
For the past year, a subcommittee of six board members has been meeting with Greg, the General Manager, to learn about the issues the co-op faces, to investigate how other co-ops have addressed such issues, and to begin planning for our future. Now it’s time to expand this work beyond the board and to hear from the voices of the members and the community we serve. We need help with this process.
We are seeking four individuals, including at least one staff member, to work with board members and the General Manager to identify and listen to diverse voices and gather the findings in order to inform the Long-Range Plan. The group will conduct community listening sessions, focus groups, surveys, and other activities to gain a sense of member and community views about the future of the co-op.
Timeline: This work will take place over roughly an eight-month period, starting in November 2026 and ending in June 2027.
Commitment: Committee meetings will take place every two weeks, with some additional work between each meeting. The Committee will likely conduct community engagement activities (like focus groups and town halls) during March and April 2027; more time will be required from committee members during this period.
Qualifications: Time and interest in supporting the long range planning process! We are seeking a diverse range of skills, experiences, and community involvement so that we can work together to gain a broad array of perspectives. No special qualifications are needed.
Stipend: Each individual member will receive a stipend of $600 to support their time and effort to participate in the Committee.
Number of open positions: 4 positions, including at least one position dedicated for a staff member
How to Apply: Start by visiting our Long-Range Planning page to learn more about the process, read the complete committee guidelines, and see what participation will involve. When you’re ready, complete a short application online or pick up a paper application in the store. Applications are due by Friday, October 3rd; all applicants will be notified by Friday, October 16th.
We hope some of you will want to join us in this important work!
Still have questions? Reach out to the Board: Board@middlebury.coop or 802.388.7276 ext 377
