The information-gathering phase of Honest Weight Food Coop’s strategic planning process, which was described in last month’s Coop Scoop, brought forth many ideas about the possible future of HWFC. These ideas include a nicer space for a children’s play area, a true space for meetings, education and outreach, and more and better space for a deli and café. Those who shop and work in the Coop, however, recognize how tight space already is. On some days, we are bursting at the seams, reviving memories (for old-timers!) of the later years at Quail Street. The market study done by Pete Davis confirmed that sales per square foot are at the point where businesses like ours think about increasing space. And then there is the parking… a problem recognized by many who come to shop on a busy afternoon.

The Strategic Planning committee has designated three subcommittees to bring these ideas and realities into focus:

. The groups are finding their planning closely intertwined. If, for example, HWFC members clearly said they wanted all of the things mentioned in the first paragraph, then it would be clear that more space would be needed. On the other hand, if members said, yes, education and development of community are nice, but we should focus more on selling quality food at the lowest price, that would shape the work of the Site Development group in another way.

Neither these small groups nor the Board will make the decision about the future direction of HWFC. Members are the ones to make such decisions. These groups are organizing the information gathered from many members and framing the questions to help members decide what HWFC should be in the future. Both the Vision Statement and any decisions about moving or staying will be decided by member votes.