CNFC Bylaws

 Bylaws are the written rules for the conduct of the Co-op.  They provide directions for meetings, elections of a board of directors and officers, filling vacancies, notices, committees, assessments and other routine conduct. Bylaws are, in effect a contract among members, and must be formally adopted and/or amended.   Click the link above to download our bylaws.

Policy Governance

Policy Governance defines and guides the roles and relationships between the Co-op's owners, our board of directors, and  our General Manager.   Click the link above to download our policies.

Global Ends Policy

Written with a long-term perspective, these mission-related policies embody the board's long-range vision. Virtually every initiative that management pursues in the course of a year is guided by an element of these policies.

Our Ends

(CNFC works to create) A cooperative community based on the shared benefits of healthy food, sound environmental practices, community, education and a strengthened local economy with results that justify the resources used.

Seven distinct groups comprise our members and communities:

1)      Co-op members

2)      Non-member customers

3)      Co-op staff and their families

4)      Local suppliers

5)      Local community

6)      Larger cooperative community

7)      Past and future generations of CNFC member-owners and customers

Our Sub-Ends are:

Community

• A vibrant gathering place reflective of the greater community’s diversity

• An enjoyable shopping experience

• Opportunity for anyone to become a member-owner (congruent with our membership materials) of a local business

Economy

• A direct linkage between the Co-op’s positive financial heath and the well-being of our various communities described above.

• Focus on locally and sustainably sourced food and products.

• An important source of employment for the community.

Education

• A resource for unbiased and accurate information on food issues, health and nutrition.

• A resource for information on the goals and advantages of the cooperative model.

• A resource link for other community groups.

Agriculture

1)      Support local (organic and sustainable) food networks and farmers by prioritizing local purchasing whenever possible.

2)      Build community linkage between our local food and farmers by demonstrating knowledge of our suppliers and their practices.

3)      Commitment to providing animal products sourced from farmers who adhere to the highest standards of animal husbandry.