Co-op's Public
Has Responded

As most of the community is now aware, this is an extraordinarily important and difficult time in the financial life of the Randolph Cooperative Market. We knew our friends would come to our aid when the front-page article ran in the Herald two weeks ago. We had no idea, however, the extent to which this community would rally around its locally owned and supported market. We are humbled and awed.

This community is showing astonishing support by choosing to spend their hard-earned grocery dollars at the Co-op. There are lines at the checkouts and full carts. Many people also have recently become Co-op member-owners, have bought gift certificates, or have contributed a letter to the editor. A deep thanks as well to the local growers who are committed to seeing the Co-op through these challenging times. All of you, as well as the Co-op’s invigorated and steadfastly positive staff, are keeping the backbone of the Co-op’s philosophy intact, the resolve strong, and the vision forward facing.

We have a long way to go to get out of the debt that we’re in. This is not an easy fight, and some days the shelves aren’t as full as we’d all like. When this happens, please don’t leave the store without letting us know what you’d like to see filling the holes. The comment book is reviewed daily by the department heads and is a great way to let the staff know what you’d like at your Co-op. Also, don’t hesitate to talk directly with General Manager Patty Pendergast.

This is a time of real change. Over the coming weeks, the Co-op’s council will be contacting member-owners for insight into what is needed in the store and in what direction the community would like to see the Co-op move. We will also be holding a member-owner meeting in January to discuss the future vision of the store (more on this soon).

We can’t thank people enough for the outpouring of support that we’re seeing. The goal now is to keep the momentum alive, the vision clear, and the Co-op a vibrant part of this community for years to come.

Kristen Gage

Council Member

Randolph Co-operative Market