Meet Your Board &
Positive Change Candidates
Voting will open on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, and
close on Friday, October 16th, 2026, at 11:59pm.
There are two matters Owner-Members will be voting on in this election period:
Four open Board of Director seats
Eleven 2027 Positive Change recipients
Check out the Voters' Guide by clicking the image to the left for all the info you need as an Owner-Member to make your voice heard.
Who can vote?
Any “active Owner-Member” (presently defined in Bylaw 2.7) in good standing who joined at least 30 days prior to the start of the election has the right (and responsibility) to vote. Active members are entitled to notice and vote on any matter submitted for a vote within the election period and timeline authorized by the Board of Directors and specified in the voters’ guide. Individual owner-members, households, and legal entities are subject to one vote per membership number of record.
Why You Should Vote – A Message from Your Board of Directors:
Bloomingfoods, is not just a grocery store; it's a community of like-minded individuals who have come together to support local farms and businesses, sustainable practices, and the overall well-being of our community. The decisions we make as members have a profound impact on the direction our cooperative takes, the products we offer, and the values we uphold.
Here are some key reasons why your vote matters:
Voice of the Community: Bloomingfoods is a cooperative in the truest sense of the word. It's owned and operated by its members – people like you and me. Voting in our cooperative elections is a powerful way to have your voice heard and to shape the future of our organization. Every member's perspective is unique and valuable.
Protect Our Values: Our cooperative was founded on principles of sustainability, community support, and ethical business practices. Voting ensures that we maintain and strengthen these values, preventing the dilution of our cooperative's mission.
Accountability: By participating in elections, you hold our cooperative's leadership accountable. Your vote helps ensure that the individuals elected to serve the cooperative are aligned with our shared vision and values.
Financial Health: The decisions made within our cooperative can directly affect its financial health. By voting for candidates who prioritize fiscal responsibility and sound management, you help safeguard our cooperative's long-term sustainability.
Community Engagement: Your participation in the voting process fosters a sense of community and cooperation among our members. It reinforces the idea that we are all in this together, working collectively for the betterment of our community.
Voting in our cooperative's elections is a privilege and a responsibility. We encourage you to review the candidate profiles and their platforms so that you can make an informed decision when casting your vote.
Join us for the 2026 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting on Friday, October 16th, 2026!
Owner-Members who RSVP by Friday, October 9th, will be entered into a gift basket giveaway ($100 Bloomingfoods gift card, branded merch, and fair trade and environmentally friendly products)! You must attend the 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting to claim your prize if you are the winner, or a new winner will be drawn.
We welcome all Owner-Members to join us, even if you did not RSVP.
Introducing your 2026 Board candidates!
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. If you have any questions or comments for the Board candidates, please email susan@bloomingfoods.coop.
Anna Boucher
Now that I've firmly established my life in Bloomington post-university, I am seeking collaborative experiences that strengthen my local involvement and awareness. This board directly reflects my belief that food is one of the most valuable tools through which we can examine, build, and maintain community.
Erica DeSantis
I'm inspired by Bloomingfoods’ role as a community hub that supports local farmers, healthy food access, and a more connected local economy. Having worked in nonprofit leadership, municipal government, and community-focused organizations, I care deeply about places that bring people together around shared values and practical impact.
Misha Dvorakova
Moving here from Europe, I've seen how easy it is to lose touch with real food in the US. I grew up eating simple meals from basic produce. I love that Bloomingfoods fights the trend of over-processed food, and I want to help protect that.
Susan Kornblum (Incumbent)
Bloomingfoods has been a part of my life, to varying extents, over the past 50 years. I've benefited greatly from this association, and I am grateful. Being willing and still able to do so, I seek to give back.
Julie Maier
My mission is to create a world with less suffering—for animals, people, and the earth. Our food system has the potential to create a kind and nourishing world, or continue down a destructive path. Serving on the board is an opportunity to help create a more humane food system.
Glen Merzer
I have shopped at Bloomingfoods as a member for the last eight years, since moving to Bloomington, and I would like to be able to help improve its offerings to our community.
Katie Novotny
I LOVE the co-op and I would love to do anything that I can to help ensure its longevity. Bloomingfoods is the heart of our town’s sustainability, access to healthy foods, and community connection.
Introducing your 2027 Positive Change candidates!
Organizations are listed in the order their applications were received. Please review the Voters’ Guide for more information on each candidate.