Board of Directors Election - Cook County Whole Foods Coop

Statements by the Candidates:

Anne Brataas — There are 3 main reasons I would like to serve on the board of directors. They can be summarized as a desire to participate in promoting the positive values I’ve experienced personally as a Coop member since 2015. In particular, I’ve benefited from:
1.) The Coop’s expansive community spirit and service ethic
2.) Its quality of food, commitment to health and wellbeing, as well as its commitment to moral production of food and to just principles of food service employment
3.) The connection the Coop provides to a broad, heterogeneous multigenerational and multicultural Cook County population by serving as a values-based “soil to soup” food hub in a way that nourishes members in body, spirit and mind. The Coop radiates and promotes an inclusive, growthful mindset; creates a welcoming market atmosphere; provides enrichment opportunities such as canning and cooking workshops, which impart practical skills, as well as friendship based on shared stewarding of all the earth’s resources—plant, animal (human included), and mineral.

Mike Garry — As a long time co-op owner/member, volunteer, worker, and manager throughout MN and in Vermont I have seen how co-ops have adapted over many years. Issues of food security, safety, and justice are at the core of what co-ops are all about. These are vitally important values that I share and are the reason I became involved with food co-ops originally in 1980 (I was a child). In the current circumstances of COVID-19, I am more motivated than ever to help in the continued guidance of the cooperative food movement at the local level. As a member of the board, I would work to keep safe and secure access to healthy food for all people by helping to maintain a fiscally-responsible , community responsive, and socially just food co-op here in Cook County. Thank you for your support.

Yusef Orest, Incumbent — Hello Fellow Owners! As I round out my first term on the board, I want to tell you all, thank you. It has been an honor to serve alongside my fellow board members through one of the most unique periods in the Co-op’s history.
I’ve learned a lot along the way, and it would be a privilege to continue my service to all of you, our Owners.
We have plenty of work to do, in order to keep our principals, values, and the Ends of our Co-op intact in the coming days, months and years. I would be honored to be elected to another term on the Co-op board, and to continue this invaluable community resource. With respect and peace to all.

Jaye E. White — I would love to serve on the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op to better serve this wonderful community asset. Not only is the co-op a source of quality, healthy foods, but also health and wellness products you rarely find in small rural communities. I love the welcoming community feeling the co-op has. Prior to COVID-19 we would frequently grab lunch at the co-op and use that time to catch up with other community members in the dining area- it has become THE place to run into and interact with neighbors. I want to serve on this wonderful board to help keep the Co-op a thriving part of the community, bringing it through the current changes and times to come out stronger on the other side.

TWO WAYS to VOTE (one vote per ownership):

1.) in the Store: The Ballot Box will be in the store from October 1-26, 2020.

2.) by Mail: You will receive a ballot in the Annual Report, which will be mailed out in October.

Mail your completed ballot to:

Cook County Whole Foods Co-op
PO Box 813
Grand Marais, MN 55604

All ballots must be received by October 26, 2020 to be counted.