Dear Owners!
Chico Natural Foods Cooperative is democratically run! Our Board of Directors sets the policies that guide the staff to reflect our community’s values. The board is again looking for a few new people to join us.
I've been a board member for several stretches over the last 15 years. It has always felt like a very worthwhile use of my time. I can also say this is a particularly gratifying time to be on the board as the store has been beautifully remodeled and the board and staff are working enthusiastically to build our presence in Chico as a community hub.
Applications will be available at the store March 25 and due April 15. There will be half-hour informational sessions on how the board operates just before the board meetings on March 30 and April 27 at 5:30. You are then welcome to stay for the meeting (6-8) to attend as a guest observer.
The voting period will be April 27, 2026 to May 17, 2026.
We are committed to the success and democratic governance of our CO-OP.
Please direct any questions to CNFCBoard@gmail.com
Dale Rudesill
BLOG POSTS
The Co-op Blog!
New Year New Changes
As we enter 2026, January brings new changes at the register.
Starting January 1st, SB 1053 goes into effect, banning ALL single-use grocery plastic bags. Grocery stores can only provide recycled paper bags at check-out, and compostable bags pre-check out. We are encouraging all shoppers to bring their own reusable bags and containers. Recycled paper bags will be available to purchase at check out with large paper bags at 20¢, and small paper bags at 10¢.
Additionally, the U.S. Mint has officially stopped producing new pennies. Because of this, cash purchases will now be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. Here's how it will work:
* With cash transactions, totals may round up or down, whichever
is closest
* Credit and debit payments stay the same
* Pennies you already have can still be used
When paying with cash, you will find any round up/down adjustments under the section "Cash Change Adjustment."
We appreciate you patience as we all get used to these new changes.
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:
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
Owner Rewards Program Discontinuation
Dear Co-op Owners,
It is no understatement to say that our Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program has been used and appreciated by many since its roll-out on January 1, 2020. Over the years, we’ve given away approximately $30,000 annually in discounts to members ($149,050 from January 2020 – December 2024), and that amount continues to grow each year.
Owner Rewards programs are common at food co-ops, and many have seen increased membership and sales as a result of offering loyalty programs. We were hopeful for similar growth here at Chico Natural Foods Co-op, however, after five years of operation, our membership and sales numbers have remained relatively flat since the program’s launch. Unfortunately, this program, rather than supporting growth, has become a financial challenge, impacting our ability to cover rising expenses.
After careful review, and with the long-term sustainability of the Co-op in mind, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program, effective February 1, 2025. This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary for the future health of our Co-op as we explore new ways to bring value to your membership.
We recognize that this is a significant change, so we’re providing plenty of time to use any accumulated points before they expire on April 30, 2025.
The good news? While we’re discontinuing the Owner Rewards Loyalty Points program, we are committed to offering sales and promotions that deliver meaningful savings and help attract new members. Our goal is to strengthen our Co-op community with sustainable initiatives that support long-term success and growth.
As we continue to navigate our financial journey, the Co-op remains a beloved community market. We want to reassure you that, as always, our commitment to providing high-quality products at fair prices remains unchanged. We’ve recently remodeled our store to make it more welcoming and accessible for all of our owners and shoppers. With the retail grocery landscape evolving rapidly, shopping at the Co-op for your groceries, local produce, and fresh foods is the best way to support Chico’s only community-owned grocery store.
We are so grateful to our 2,500+ Co-op Owners who continue to make the Co-op a cherished community hub for all things local, natural, and organic. Your ongoing support helps ensure the Co-op’s place as a vital resource in our community.
Yours Co-operatively,
Liza Tedesco
General Manager
Why Join Our Board?
After one year in, what have I learned from being on the board?
Let’s first start with why I joined. Over the years I had watched the changes happening to the face of Chico Natural Food Co-op and I had wondered what was going on behind all those changes, not even knowing about the web page, facebook page, or even my member benefits for that matter.
Last year about this time, I ran into Dale at the Co-op who was tabling for new board candidates. I asked him about the food quality because my food and my health were the main drivers for my being with the Co-op. Immediately he directed me to Liza, the general manager, as she was passing by.
She instantly knew the answers to my questions and bolstered my confidence about the quality. I still have concerns about the store itself, but Liza and we, the board members, have been open about the direction of our beloved co-op.
So that’s when Dale said he was there to sign up new board members, and that was when I knew I just had to say yes.
No doubt about it, the learning curve is steep and it uses up some time, but it is also rich. There was no pressure to be up to speed right away. There was also plenty of help to learn the ropes. You have Kathy and Dale to thank for that.
It is quite an undertaking to learn how to be on a board, especially how to be on a governance board. It is about representing all points of view, but speaking with one voice. That is no small task. I have learned that no matter the differences of style, character, point of view and personal perception, everyone brings something of worth to the table. We come from many different experiences and backgrounds, but we all come together to share our care and our hopes for the co-op and do our best to represent you, the members.
There’s also no doubt that I have learned to use my own voice, speak my truth and not be ashamed of it. It’s not easy to speak your own truth and still be respectful and appreciative of someone else who’s truth sometimes feels like the opposite of your own. Maybe not everyone has felt like this, but this has been my experience.
So now comes that time of year to again elect/re-elect our board members. And so I ask, “If you have any attraction at all to becoming fully engaged in our co-op and feel ready to learn how to appreciate others and be appreciated, please apply to be a board member today. Just go to chiconaturalfoods.coop, click the Board of Directors tab on the bottom left, click Join the Board and print out the application. Don’t forget to bring it in when you are done and hand it to the floor manager.
Dare to enrich yourself. (The 15% board service discount isn’t all that bad either.)
Wilma Kirk (proud of her 1 year board experience)