Over the past several months, I’ve written openly about the realities we face as a young co-op—sales targets, cash flow pressures, and the simple truth that consistent weekly shopping determines our future. That urgency was necessary. It still is. Transparency matters.
But February feels different
We now have clearer data, stronger systems, and forward momentum. Through Community Investment Campaign ’26, we’ve raised more than $80,000 and have received encouraging interest from owners requesting investment information. The question is no longer whether we understand the challenge. The question is how consistently and thoughtfully we execute.
Focus and Discipline
Your Board is fully engaged in its fiduciary role. We are monitoring weekly sales, margin, labor, and cash carefully. We are working alongside management to establish clear priorities and measurable six-month goals.
At the store level, we are refining inventory controls, improving in-store consistency, and responding to owner feedback. The work is detailed and often unglamorous—but steady execution is what builds strong co-ops. Small improvements, made consistently, add up.
What Owners Can Do
We have asked you before to shop here weekly if you can. That remains the single most powerful action you can take.
Let me frame it this way this month:
- Make the Food Shed part of your routine.
- Bring one new person with you.
- Choose us first whenever you have the option.
A co-op is rarely strengthened in one dramatic moment. It grows stronger week by week when owners act in alignment with its purpose.
A Reminder About CIC ’26
As we move from surviving toward stabilizing, Community Investment Campaign ’26 is helping strengthen our cash position while we grow sales toward sustainable levels.
Preferred Shares ($1,000 each) and Owner Loans (starting at $10,000) are available for those with the financial capacity to invest. We also continue to welcome direct donations and tax-deductible gifts through our fiscal sponsor.
These tools are not substitutes for shopping. They are bridges—helping us manage startup realities while we build the consistent sales base every successful co-op requires.
If you would like more information, please visit https://owners.foodshed.coop/cic26 or email [email protected]. Every form of support matters.
Why This Still Matters
In less than two years, this community built something rare in McHenry County: a locally owned grocery store returning dollars to regional farmers and producers, creating local jobs, and offering high-quality food you can trust. As you may recall, we delivered over $500,000 to the local economy in our first year.
Spring is around the corner. Our second full growing season as an open store lies ahead. Local harvests will return. Energy in our region will pick up.
We are not stepping back. We are stepping forward—with focus and care.
I remain confident in what this community has built and in what we can sustain—together.
In cooperation,
Scott T. Brix, Board President
This article was originally published in the Owner Beet newsletter as part of the Cultivating Cooperation series by Board President Scott Brix (February 2026).