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.  

Working member, Selby-Dale Co-op, St Paul MN, (c.1974). Member-owner (sometimes working member) of Bloomingfoods since around our start (1976).  BCS Board member 2000-2006 and 2023-current. East Store employee (wrangling groceries; driving the van) 2005-2017. Union (UFCW) negotiating committee 2015.  Frequent Bloomingfoods shopper.

Besides my Co-op experiences:  Member, Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense Committee (WKLD/OC) Evidence Collective (St Paul MN, 1973-74. Member, Helmsburg Elementary PTO (1997-2004).

Beyond my liberal arts education, I lack formal training that would relate to Board duties. But I've lived in quite a few different places, worked an extremely varied assortment of hourly or volunteer jobs, and traveled and read a lot. I believe that this kaleidoscope generates a useful perspective.

Bloomingfoods' stated Ends simply make sense to me; they reflect my own basic values, including conservation, fairness, and care for each another, and everyone's right to information about, and access to, healthy food.

Bloomingfoods is South Central Indiana's most important vector for access to, and true information about, safe and nutritious foods, as well as a nexus for local growers.

These are challenging and uncertain times.  Food co-ops (not just Bloomingfoods!) face rough going in an economy increasingly dominated by corporate consolidation. But bigger doesn't mean better! I believe we will weather the destructive forces by staying true to our mission.

I am perpetually impressed by the capability, knowledge, and insightfulness of my board colleagues. I believe in our collective good judgment, and this feeds my hopes.