Help us raise funds to support for our new Full Plate Fund!

Will you help us feed our community? Chico Natural Foods Co-op (CNFC) is working to raise at least $5,000 to support low income shoppers during these uncertain times. CNFC is cooperative grocery store in downtown Chico, CA and about 10%+ of our customers receive low income assistance of some kind.

Many of our neighbors are already feeling the impact of the government shutdown and lack of program funding and we want to make sure no one goes hungry. That’s why we’ve launched the Full Plate Fund — an emergency discount program to support low income shoppers.

The USDA has said that a business cannot provide a discount to SNAP recipients, regardless of payment type, since it violates the SNAP Equal Treatment Rule. While the intent of that rule is to prevent price gouging, it also applies to discounts.

So instead, the Co-op will provide a 10% discount to customers who qualify for a variety economic need services, such as PG&E CARE Program, SSI, SSP, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and/or other programs. Our Econ owners have already provided proof of eligibility and will receive a 10% discount (5% of which is supported by this fund).

If someone is not a co-op econ member, we will give them a 10% off eligibility card when they provide proof of receiving for these services. Then they present the card when shopping to receive the discount for grocery, kitchen, and produce. The MORE program remains in place offering 75% off all California grown produce for CalFresh shoppers. We currently have a discount waiver in place allowing this discount specifically for CalFresh shoppers, even with a zero balance.

We will run this discount as long as we are able during the government shut down or until /unless federal program funding is released. If there is a balance remaining after the fund is no longer needed, the money will be used to further support the economic needs of our customers in a way to be determined.

Your community needs your help and the Co-op needs your help to sustain these discounts. Together, we can live our cooperative values by centering compassion, equity, and community—especially when it matters most. Right here in Chico!

To help sustain this program, there are three ways to donate to our fund:

• We’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign

• Go to our Website and choose an amount you would like to donate (mix and match for a custom amount)

• There is a donation code at each register. Let your cashier know you would like to donate and what amount and it will be added to your purchase.

2025 New Board of Directors Update

2025 New Board of Directors Update by Kathy Faith, Board President

Co-op member owners have elected excellent new people to join a solid cadre of seasoned board directors.  While board work has not changed, as with almost all co-op elections we are a brand new combination of seven board members with emerging ideas and skill sets yet to be fully brought together and utilized.

 Our Board Responsibilities are:

• Review and oversight of the budget

• Linkages to the member owners

• Comprehensive policies

• Assurance of performance

• Perpetuation of the co-op

Everything the board does starts with our stated purpose and mission as written in our bylaws, and then expressed as our Global Ends, dated 2017.  The Global ends reflect and clarify the purpose and guiding priorities for the board and staff. 

• Global End 1: Chico Natural Foods Co-op is inclusive of all community members.

• Global End 2: CNFC strengthens the cooperative movement.

• Global End 3: CNFC serves as an educational resource for the community.

• Global End 4: CNFC supports a local food system that is equitable, robust and environmentally sound. 

This new Board has begun the process of exploring these Global Ends to consider whether they are still our north star.  We would like to give member owners opportunities to weigh in on this in the near future. Stay tuned! 

We use an operating system called Policy Governance as an underlying framework for the board to do its job of cooperatively supervising the GM with one unified voice.  For more information about Policy Governance please refer to this article by Michael Healy from Columinate (a national consulting cooperative).  

The Board follows a yearly schedule to monitor the 10 policies that guide the work of the General Manager. We meet virtually on the last Monday of each month from 6-8 PM.  Guests are welcome.   

We will be tabling at the Thursday Market a few times this summer, so do come by and say hello.  The Board will be there August 21 and Sept 25 and the staff on Sept 4 in the Healthy Habits section of the market.  Our goal is to meet new folks, invite new shoppers to come visit, let people know about the MORE program and provide information about membership.   

We’d like to hear from you so please reach out at CNFCBoard@gmail.com.

Exciting New Chapter for Our Co-op & Gratitude for General Manager

With a mix of heartfelt gratitude and optimism for the future, the Chico Natural Foods Co-op Board of Directors announces that Liza Tedesco, our long-time General Manager, will be stepping away from her role. After 24 years with the Co-op—17 of those as General Manager—Liza has chosen to pursue a new opportunity that aligns with her long-term career goals.

During her tenure, she has weathered 7 bosses in the form of an ever-changing board of elected-by-members directors. Liza’s leadership has guided the Co-op through immense change and growth. From navigating economic ups and downs to steering us through a complete store remodel, and most notably, leading us with care and resilience through the challenges of the pandemic—Liza has been at the helm through it all. Her commitment, vision, and deep love for the Co-op have left an indelible mark. 

Under her guidance, the Co-op has emerged stronger, more beautiful, and more beloved by our community. Thanks to her and our incredible staff, the recently completed remodel has brought in glowing feedback and renewed energy from shoppers, reflected in both morale and sales.

Now, as we enter what appears to be a promising period of stability and growth, it’s a natural moment for new leadership to build on the strong foundation Liza has helped create. The Board is actively preparing for this transition and will begin the search for a permanent General Manager. In the meantime, Liza is working closely with staff and external co-op partners to ensure a smooth handoff, and her wisdom will continue to guide us during this time.

To the staff: You don't see us actively engaged in our role as board directors, but we get to see and benefit from the good work you do when we shop. We appreciate you every day.  Like you, we will be doing our best to support this significant transition.

To the members and shoppers: Let’s continue to do what we do best—shop, share, and celebrate this special community-owned store. Enjoy our sweet little piece of the world-wide cooperative movement. 

Be sure to thank Liza for her many years of tireless dedication, and please show your support and kindness to our staff as we move through these changes together.

Here’s to a bright next chapter—and to Liza, with endless gratitude.

Kathy Faith,
Board President

Curbside Pickup Closing Announcement

Chico Natural Foods Co-op owners and shoppers,
We wanted to let you know that after careful consideration, we’ve made the decision to discontinue our Curbside grocery pickup service. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady decline in usage of this service, and we believe this change will allow us to better focus on enhancing the in-store shopping experience for all shoppers, while eliminating administrative and software costs.

What Does This Mean for You?

• Curbside Pickup will end on Monday, April 1st, 2025.

• We’ve remodeled our store to make it easier for you to shop and make your visits even better! If you need help, we are always happy to lend a hand.

• Please let us know if you have any suggestions for other services or improvements you’d like to see at the co-op.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We appreciate being part of your community!

Cooperatively,

CNFC

Chico Natural Foods Co-op Boosts Discount to 75% for CalFresh Shoppers on California-Grown Produce

Chico, CA – Fresh, local produce is about to get even more affordable for shoppers using their EBT benefits. Starting April 1, 2024, Chico Natural Foods Co-op is increasing its discount on California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables from 50% to 75% for CalFresh shoppers.

Thanks to an extended grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Co-op’s MORE (Matching On Regional Eats) program will provide even deeper savings—helping shoppers stretch their food budgets while supporting small local farms.

What CalFresh Shoppers Need to Know:

• New 75% discount on all California-grown fresh produce (previously 50%) at Chico Natural Foods grocery store and deli, located at 818 Main Street.

• No sign-ups or enrollment required—just mention to your cashier that you’ll be using CalFresh benefits. Then, simply show your EBT card, and the discount will be applied automatically at checkout.

• Up to $60 off per transaction.

• Program extended through the end of 2025.

A Win for Families and Farmers

“We are thrilled to offer an even bigger discount through the MORE program,” said General Manager Liza Tedesco. “This increase to 75% means more families can afford the freshest, healthiest food while supporting local farmers. With CalFresh benefits decreasing for so many, this program comes at a critical time.”

About the MORE Program

Launched in 2019, the Co-op's MORE program was the first of its kind in Butte County. Since 2020, it has provided over $159,000 in discounts to CalFresh shoppers. Beyond affordability, the program strengthens the local food economy by increasing revenue for regional farmers and food producers. Over the course of the year, this program will support 45 local and regional farmers, further building a strong, sustainable food system.

Chico Natural Foods Co-op is a community-owned grocery store, and everyone is welcome—no membership required. The store is committed to increasing access to fresh, healthy foods and supporting small, local farmers by promoting a resilient, sustainable food system.

Funded by the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), the program is administered by the CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork.

Co-op Annual Meeting Monday, February 24

Next Monday, Feb 24, 6pm - 7pm:  CNFC Annual Meeting on Zoom

Gathering For Growth: Celebrating our Community

Mark your calendars and join the Board of Directors for a quick and fun Annual Meeting.  Our last year has been filled with so much change and growth to our beloved little store.  Let’s get together and discuss the highlights of what we’ve done this past year to get to where we are now and envision possibilities of the new year ahead.

Members and non-members of the Co-op community are invited to join the discussion, so invite a friend!

To end the meeting, we will be sharing our favorite Co-op treats, so bring your favorite to the virtual meeting and let’s chat!

Zoom Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83674487689?pwd=qhKUXSYx3Nom3GktUQabV2ernE8DiA.1

Meeting ID: 836 7448 7689
Passcode: 502240

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