We're Hiring a Produce Assistant!

We are seeking a self-motivated food lover for the part time position of Produce Assistant! Applications are due by Friday, June 28. A job description for this 15-30 hour/week position is available here.

Working at the Co-op can be a fun and fast-paced way to make a difference in our community. If you are interested in joining the People's Food Co-op team, please download an application form and return it with any other required materials to: People's Food Co-op of Kalamazoo, 507 Harrison Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007.

For more information about this position, contact our Front End Manager at frontend@peoplesfoodco-op.org.

MLive Spotlight on Co-op Cashew Curry Hummos

Get the inside scoop on the hummos that you crave! Check out the recent MLive.com article on PFC's famous Cashew Curry Hummos, one of our best-sellers. PFC Chef Gwen Nicholson gives a nice behind-the-scenes look. 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Shares Available

Southwest Michigan is full of small farms working to serve our community with great food. CSAs are a great way to connect with and support small growers. Check out some of the CSAs available now! 

• Elder Fire Farm Arts, Dowling, MI
• Long Valley Farm, Pavillion Township, Kalamazoo County
• Koelbel Farm, Vicksburg, MI
• Avalon Farms, Climax, MI
• Earthsmith Farm, Dowling, MI
• Green Gardens, Battle Creek, MI
• Under the Stone Garden, Scotts, MI
• Understory Farm, Bangor, MI
• Eater's Guild, Bangor, MI
• Blue Dog Family Farm, Bangor, MI
• Delano Farms CSA, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo, MI
• Scobey's Produce, Wayland, MI
• Harvest of Joy, Shelbyville, MI
• Molter Family Orchards, Benton Harbor, MI
• Fat Blossom Farm, Allegan, MI

Vendor Applications for 100-Mile Market and Kalamazoo Farmers' Market Available

Prospective vendors at both the 100-Mile and Kalamazoo Farmers' Markets can find applications for both here. 

Click here for the application to vend at the 100-Mile Market, held Wednesdays in the People's Food Co-op's parking lot. Questions and application submissions can be directed to the PFC's outreach coordinator, Celeste Elechi.

Click here for the application to vend at the Kalamazoo Farmers' Market, held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo. Questions about the Kalamazoo Farmers' Market and application submissions may be directed to the Kalamazoo Farmers' Market Manager, Chris Broadbent.

Updated Board Candidate Statements

It has come to our attention that Erica Barajas' candidate statement was printed incorrectly on our Board election ballots! Here is Erica's full candidate statement for 2013. You can also download a corrected ballot here to see all the candidate's statements. Our apologies for the error. 

Erica Barajas Candidate Statement - 2013 PFC Board of Directors

"Thank you for considering my candidacy for the Board of Directors of the Kalamazoo People’s Food Co-op. I was appointed to an open seat on the Board in 2012 and am very interested in continuing to serve on the Board for a new term. Over the last year, I have become familiar with the processes and monitoring tools used by the Board to make sure that the organization is staying focused on its Ends statement. With this new understanding, I would love to continue to bring to the Board my awareness and connections within the local food system; and as a member of the Inclusion Committee, I also bring my commitment to social and racial equity for the Kalamazoo community. 

I’m excited for the future of the People’s Food Co-op! As a Board member, I was able to attend Co-op Board Leadership Training in 2012 which clarified how unique the PFC’s recent growth is in relation to other food co-ops in Michigan. I am impressed with the momentum and community support that has been achieved with the opening of the new store and the addition of the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market project. I envision this grown to be sustainable and well-planned through the collaborative efforts of the Board, staff, and owners at the PFC."

PFC Board Candidate Video Interviews

The time has come to vote for your Board of Directors! This year there are three seats to fill, and a slate of five great candidates! Take a look at these short interviews and get to know them each a little better.

All owners in good standing (up to date in owner payments) are eligible and strongly encouraged to participate in the voting. Ballots will be arriving in owners' mailboxes in mid-March, and will also be available in the store. 

People's Welcomes New Kalamazoo Farmers' Market Manager!

PFC is happy to announce that we've promoted Chris Broadbent into the position of Kalamazoo Farmers' Market manager. Chris has served as our farmers market coordinator for two years, and brings excellent communication, conflict resolution, community building, and customer service skills and experience. He's a talented people person with a passion for creating access for all to good food, especially young people. Congratulations to Chris Broadbent, and our thanks to all of the talented folks who applied!

PFC Accepting Art Hop Applications!

Did you know that the Co-op is hosting four Art Hops in 2013, and we need YOUR art! Submit an application to be our Art Hop artist on May 3, September 6, or November 1, 2013. Full instructions are available on the form, found here.  

New Report Shows Progress Toward Ends

At People's our Ends guide everything we do. The PFC Board recently approved our annual Ends report, which uses data to show how well we're doing at achieving our goals. Read the Ends Report and let us know your thoughts! You can email feedback to Chris Dilley, our General Manager and the author of the Ends Report. Your Co-op works hard to increase access to healthy food, and this is our proof!

PFC Featured in First National Bank of Michigan Newsletter

As 2012 comes to a close, we look back on our first full year in our new store, the long and challenging journey that brought us here. Our relationship with First National Bank of Michigan, our primary lender, was key to the success of our expansion project.

This month, FNB highlighted People's in their fall 2012 newsletter! Check out the article for a closer look into the history of our work together to strengthen the food community in Kalamazoo. FNB believed in our project and in the community of folks who joined together to make it a reality. We are truly grateful for their support!

See the full newsletter here.