East End Food Co-Op
Ends Policy Statement
East End Food Co-op exists to enhance physical and social health in our community. To these ends, we will create:
sustainable A member-owned business open to everyone
ethical An and resilient food infrastructure
vibrant A dynamic community of happy healthy people
creative Vision A to transform the future
Rooted in Values, Growing with Purpose
Since its founding in 1972 as a modest buying club in the basement of a Point Breeze building, the East End Food Co-op has remained a steadfast presence in Pittsburgh’s natural food landscape. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a member-owned institution guided by cooperative principles and a deep commitment to food integrity, equity, and sustainability.
Over the decades, the Co-op has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the community — from absorbing members of the former Semple Street Food Co-operative in 1985 to relocating in 1986 to its current home at The Factory in Point Breeze. Through these changes, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to providing fresh, local, organic, and ethically sourced foods.
In recent years, new neighborhood competition from national chains has reinforced the importance of what sets the Co-op apart: a mission-driven commitment to people and planet, not profit. This year we proudly reintroduced our café counter, once again offering beloved fresh juices and smoothies, and expanded our menu to include a new line of coffeeshop-style beverages — thoughtfully crafted and responsibly sourced.
As we continue to evolve, the East End Food Co-op remains rooted in its founding values. Guided by our member-owners and supported by a passionate staff and community, we are more than a grocery store — we are a hub for connection, cooperation, and nourishment in every sense of the word.
operations Report
By Tyler Kulp, General Manager
2025is
the year of the cooperative! Not just around the world as deemed by the United Nations, but right here in the city of Pittsburgh. In July, the City Council issued a proclamation, declaring it thus. I was honored to be among the invitees to participate in the official ceremony. Different types of cooperatives from around Pittsburgh gathered together, along with representatives of the city government, to celebrate and honor cooperation.
“Cooperation among cooperatives” is one of the seven principles (#6) guiding all cooperatives and has played a vital, if somewhat invisible, role in my work this year. To me, this principle asserts the importance of sharing resources, knowledge, and values to make all cooperatives stronger and more resilient.
As we take this time to reflect on our fiscal year that ended in June 2025, we hope to learn from the successes and from the failures. These experiences will better inform our work in the future, and we will share these lessons with our cooperative peers to help all of us succeed.
This year I co-led an effort with several other coop GMs and Board directors from our region to revive the Mid-Atlantic food cooperative alliance (MAFCA). This alliance was formed as a way to connect food coops from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey, at all sizes and stages of development. From start-ups just starting to explore feasibility, to large multi-store cooperatives, we are committed to being resources for each other in any way we can. Energy, time, and resources had drained from MAFCA many years ago with only one remaining person bearing the torch. I first learned of this alliance in April and immediately pledged to resuscitate, re-energize, and reinvigorate a vital regional connection. This work culminated in a one-day conference in Philadelphia, hosted by the Weaver’s Way Germantown location. We featured presenters from Four Seasons Produce, Equal Exchange, NCG, and the Food co-op Initiative (FCI) to educate and support our alliance.
This summer, along with three other GM’s from Erie, PA, Syracuse, NY, and Takoma Park, MD, we formed a worker-owned co-op: a news and information website named Garlic and Roses. When garlic and roses are planted together, the garlic protects the roses from bugs and disease, and even enhances their fragrance. They may not seem like they make any sense together, but they’re cooperators. Taking inspiration from our bulbous namesakes, we want to bring together cooperators from food co-ops everywhere to enhance our collective strengths. We are publishing news, opinion, humor, playlists, and more from paid contributors and in-house-generated pieces. If anyone reading this remembers Cooperative Grocer Magazine (published from 1985-2019), we took inspiration from their history and guidance from Dave Gutknect and launched our website on September 1. We are
honored to struggle in the current publishing climate and have no shame in being invisible amidst the glut of online content. Principle #6 at work again, making it all worthwhile.
Last but certainly not least is my work as GM at East End Food Co-op! Along with our dedicated board of directors and ProCopia Consulting, I unveiled a new Strategic Plan for our Co-op. This plan covers the first 3 full years of our new lease (2026-2028). The plan is available on our website, and we will update membership quarterly on progress or any other changes. We are grateful to our members and staff who participated in information sessions in May ‘25. I also want to thank those who contributed ideas at expansion and other visioning sessions over the last several years.
#6 was far from the only cooperative principle we put into action this year. In mid-October, we launched our first-ever (or first in a very long time?) capital campaign, as a tool to engage with membership and ask for your help in funding our future, specifically the initiatives outlined in the strategic plan. In order to make that happen, we had to ask for a new addition to our bylaws, allowing for a different capital structure than just our $100 member share. Principal #2 “Member Democratic Control” was in action during the month of September, as we asked for your votes to add the bylaw. I am tremendously grateful to our board for all of the hours they spent tabling at the store to inform members of the bylaw vote. Thanks to their efforts, we received 232 votes and the bylaw was accepted by a margin of 225 to 7.
Principal #3 “Member Economic Participation” is at the heart of any capital campaign at every co-op. For the last 11 years and counting it has been a pleasure and privilege to serve our members and customers. Our capital campaign is an important opportunity for membership, beyond grocery shopping, to serve our entire cooperative into the future. Most crucially, this allows more membership dollars to stay in our local economy. The alternative economic model at the center of the cooperative movement sets us apart from the rest of our industry. Corporations (who are not people, despite what they might say) have no ethics, only a bottom line. This includes most banks that most businesses have to borrow from in order to grow. Cooperatives have the unique ability to sell more shares in our coop. When our coop realizes a successful and profitable return on those member investments, we can buy those shares back at the full price of the initial investment, and until that happens, we hope to pay a dividend on those investments, more than one would receive from one of those corporate banks I mentioned earlier.
2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for our Co-op, and I believe 2027 will be pivotal and even more dynamic. We will get through it all together, and I appreciate the opportunity to lead. Thank you for all of your support!
Board Report
By Tom Pandaleon, President
Greetings to all of the members-owners of the East End Food Co-op, from your board of Directors. The state of the East End Food Co-op, financially and otherwise, is good. Our profit for the year ended in June is modest, which was the same case last year (’23-’24). For context, we had a $150K loss in fiscal ’22-’23, and a profit of $355K in ’21-’22, the year of our forgiven PPP loan from the federal government during the pandemic.
While inflation complicates the task of making any confident claims related to sales growth, we did enjoy a $1M increase in gross sales this year over last year. Alas, expenses, like the sun, also rise.
This has been a year to regroup, take a step back and take stock of where we are in light of the frustrated efforts of the last few years to proceed with EEFC’s long-term goal of expanding our business. We have negotiated a three-year lease extension, with a five-year option to renew after that. While that does take some of the pressure off, the issue for us remains that we are rapidly reaching the limits of the space we’ve been occupying for the last 40 years. With that plain fact facing us, the board has decided to undertake a capital campaign to make improvements to our existing store. The goal of these improvements is to allow for growth despite the space limitations we find ourselves having to accommodate. The board is well aware of the need for finally solving the problem of establishing a proper physical space for the current and future needs of our business, and that search shall continue.
The board has also negotiated a two-year employment contract with our General Manager, Tyler Kulp. Having a GM contract has not been the norm in the past here at the EEFC, and the board has made the decision that going forward, this change will work in establishing clarity, predictability and stability to our Co-op’s management.
The board and management spent a good part of the first half of the fiscal year working on a three-year strategic plan, which states a vision of where the Co-op will be in three years, and provides an implementation plan for how to get there. These are pivotal documents, which bring coherence to our short-term daily efforts to run the store effectively by keeping a communal eye on where it is we want to go. It strengthens the potential for concrete achievements in the growth and improvement of our Co-op by providing a set of specific benchmarks that can direct board/ management discussion along that path.
In another bit of good news, EEFC seems to be weathering the appearance, and competition, such as it is, of two new grocery stores in our backyard. Both Aldi and Enson Market made their appearances during the last year, and we have seen no appreciable negative effects on our business. There is, of course, the possibility that it is a case of “the more the merrier,” and that our healthy gross sales figure has at least partly resulted from an increase in overall grocery traffic coming to
our neighborhood. In any event, the board takes this experience as further proof of the power of a membership organization to create a vibrant, and loyal, community.
Two final highlights the board would like to showcase this year are the steady and ongoing reintroduction of our cafe to the mix of our business, and the initiation of an EEFC Game Night.
The board has been key in prioritizing the cafe re-opening, and has been much gratified by the work of the staff in injecting real energy into that little renaissance. Our members are showing their support in spades, and the gradual expansion of food offerings is underway. While we are not limiting EEFC to an exact replica of what we had before, the intent is to recapture and build on the strengths of the old cafe, while creating a space for our community, and a place where the creative talents of our cafe staff can once again do what we do best, which is great food.
Game Night is the brainchild of Desmond Zheng, Board Secretary and co-chair of the Member Owner Participation Committee, and has just been getting off the ground this Fall. The committee hopes to capitalize on an interest that is widespread these days, and to enhance or Co-op’s community with another venue for members to come together, meet other members, and, most importantly have a little fun (and snacks).
Our Co-op is only as good as the quality of the community we are continually in the process of creating together. Debate, disagreement, consensus and compromise are earmarks of a functioning democratic community, and we should be proud that we are sustaining such a thing, with both its struggles and its successes. As we Americans approach the sestercentennial (!) of our republic’s founding next year, I’ll close by ripping off Ben Franklin and saying, “A co-op, if you can keep it.”
Board meetings
Board meetings are open to the Co-op membership and typically occur on the third Monday of each month. eastendfood.coop/board-of-directors
Finance Report
By Shawn McCullough, Finance Manager
For FYE 2025; the Co-op had a modest, unadjusted, net income of $11,557. For FYE 2024, the Co-op had an adjusted net income of $26,412. Going back to 2000, the co-op has had 10 years of net losses vs. 15 years of net incomes. Contributing to the current year’s net income was the fact that Co-op had a sales increase of 7.5%. Highlighting some of the sales increases within the various Co-op departments were Deli Counter, Deli Bakery, Floral, Cheese, and Deli Hot; these departments saw sales increases of 107%, 43%, 25%, 20%, and 20% respectively.
The Co-op’s year-end cash position also remained strong at approximately $1.95m.
Current assets, of which cash is our largest component, remained consistent with prior year. Our current assets stood at approximately $2.5m for the fiscal year. Prior year’s current assets were approximately $2.4m. Our current ratio for the year was approximately 4.65; this means for every $1 of current liabilities that the Co-op had; the Co-op had $4.65 of current assets.
In terms of margin dollars, the Co-op realized approximately $5.4m margin dollars for 2025 vs. approximately $4.8m margin dollars for 2024. Gross margin improved for the current year. Gross margin in 2025 was 38.1%. Gross margin for FYE 2024 was 36.9%.
Current Assets
Property & Equipment
Assets
Liabilities
Liabilities
Liabilities Member Shares Retained Earnings Current Earnings
Members’ Equity Total Liabilities & Members’ Equity
YEARS ENDED
$2,449,801
Income/Expense Statements
June 29, 2025 (UNADJUSTED) June 29, 2025 (UNADJUSTED) June 30, 2024 (REVIEWED) June 30, 2024 (REVIEWED)
(8,741,323)
$2,358,618 $332,376 $304,813 $2,995,807 $542,413 $147,860 $690,273 $1,687,911 $591,211 $26,412 $2,305,534 $2,995,807 Net Sales Cost of Sales Gross Profit Personnel (Expenses) Operating (Expenses) Operating Income Other Income (Expenses) Net (Loss) Income
$13,132,852 (8,284,615) $4,848,237 ($3,219,255) ($1,709,701) ($80,719) $107,131 $26,412
Where a Dollar Goes
For over 40 years, the East End Food Co-op has thrived as a member-owned cooperative, growing to include more than 17,000 dedicated member-owners. By becoming a member, you’ve done more than support a grocery store — you’ve invested in a vibrant community rooted in shared values, sustainability, and a passion for good food. Here, you’re not just a shopper — you’re an owner.
17,326
651 Active Members New Members
$362,926 In Member Discounts
$8,747,670
Sales to Members
59% Of Sales to Members
Allen says if you’re going apple picking, you can’t go wrong with Cosmic Crisp. Juicy and sweet, they’re great in any snacking situation. Pair them with our house made peanut butter for a handheld treat!
Zee recommends plant-based Aloha bars! Packing 14 grams of protein without sacrificing flavor, they’re a great (and affordable!) option for a quick pick-me-up. Yes, we carry the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.
Alex recommends our house made Garlic Lovers Pasta! Found in our Grab & Go section, it’s a tasty and filling meal when you’re pressed for time. Heat it up and savor the garlic cheesy goodness.
Jeffrey recommends Wild Rise Bakery’s gluten-free sourdough! Hefty and tangy, its signature nutty, toasted flavor is perfect for enjoying with a spread or as the bookend to your favorite sandwich. Direct quote: “It’s tasty and a great value for the price. What else is there to say?”
Working At The Co-op
The East End Food Co-op is powered by a dedicated team of employees who bring energy, cooperation, and a shared passion for good food to their work every day. Operating in a dynamic retail environment, our staff delivers exceptional service to the community 361 days a year — driven by values of integrity, adaptability, and mutual respect.
Our team reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences, united by a commitment to the Co-op’s mission and a positive, inclusive workplace culture. Through the work of our Diversity & Inclusion Committee, we continue to foster a welcoming environment built on understanding, equity, and empowerment.
In addition to meaningful work, Co-op employees receive competitive wages, robust benefits, and generous paid time off. Full-time staff are eligible for comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid parental leave, and Co-opfunded short-term disability. All employees enjoy a 25% in-store discount and additional savings on supplements and special orders.
At its heart, the East End Food Co-op is more than just a place to work — it’s a community of people who care deeply about food, service, and each other.
$18.95 Starting Wage
$117,247 in Staff Discounts
The Co-op thanks Jim McCool for his 27 years of service. Jim retired this year after a storied career, capped by his tenure as our bulk foods buyer. His passion for high quality foods and exemplary customer service will be missed by all, but we wish him the best!
Illustration by Nico Daehler
community support
Since launching in April 2013, the Co-op’s Register Round Up Program has empowered shoppers to support local non-profit organizations by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar. These small acts of generosity have added up to a major impact — with over $200,000 raised for area non-profits to date. Each quarter, two selected organizations share the total funds collected over a three-month period, helping to advance their vital work in our community.
Pittsburghers for Public Transit, PGH SK8
General Donations
Through our general donations fund, local organizations received $9,020 in the form of gift cards, gift baskets, store produce, cash donations and financial sponsorships. Groups included: Grow Pittsburgh, Community Kitchen, Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, Jewish Community Center, Jeremiah’s Place, Humane Animal Rescue, Empty Bowls, The Oasis Project, Latino Community Center, Power, Casa San Jose, 412 Food Rescue, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Upstream, and WESA.
Food Bucks
Through a partnership with The Food Trust, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food, shoppers who use SNAP earn a $2 Food Buck coupon for every $5 they spend on fresh produce. Food Bucks can be used on a subsequent shopping trip for additional fresh produce.
$23,814
Register Round Up Spotlight
Harmony Dog Rescue
Individuals who wish to escape unsafe situations are often faced with the difficult decision to either seek their own safety and leave their dog at risk, or stay and protect the dog while continuing to live in danger themselves. Those who experience homelessness or medical emergencies are often faced with the decision to surrender their dog against their will before they are able to find more permanent housing for themselves or temporary housing for their dogs.
Harmony Dog Rescue’s co-founders Tim Lydon and Molly McAleer work to make sure dogs are not left behind in dangerous situations, to keep them from being surrendered to shelters and to ultimately reunite them with their people.
Donations to Harmony Dog Rescue strengthens their network of committed volunteers and furthers their mission of providing safe homes for dogs in times of crisis. Specifically, donations go toward food, medical care, supplies, and transportation costs.
Tim Lydon and Molly McAleer work to make sure no dog gets left behind.
Community Engagement
Community Outreach
At the East End Food Co-op, community engagement is more than a core value — it’s part of our daily work. In 2025, our marketing team proudly represented the Co-op at a variety of events across the city, connecting with neighbors, sharing resources, and building relationships rooted in health, sustainability, and equity.
We tabled at the Africana Wellness Conference, hosted by The Legacy Arts Project in Homewood, where we joined conversations celebrating Africana culture and holistic well-being. At VegFair and VegFest, presented by Justice for Animals, we connected with thousands of Pittsburghers who share our love for plant-based food, compassionate living, and vibrant local economies.
Our presence at SolarPunk Future 2025, organized by ReImagine Jobs, allowed us to contribute to a for-
ward-thinking vision of sustainability, green jobs, and collaborative solutions. And at OpenStreetsPGH, we celebrated active transportation and reclaiming public space — values that align with our commitment to a healthier, more connected community.
Each event offered a chance to listen, learn, and share what the Co-op stands for. As we continue to grow, so does our role as a community partner and advocate for a more just and sustainable future.
VegFest 2024 photos by Sense.ofsight
Community Partners Social Media
One of the many benefits of Co-op membership is access to the Community Partners Program, which offers members exclusive discounts when they support participating local businesses. Community partners, in turn, receive promotional consideration on our website, social media, and on a dedicated bulletin board in the rear of the store.
11,560 Followers
12,735 Followers As of June 30, 2025
Community Partner Spotlight
Carbon Compost
Carbon Compost is a Pittsburgh-based food scrap collection service that makes composting simple for homes, businesses, and events. Louis started Carbon Compost after learning how much food waste contributes to climate change—and that composting is a simple, local solution. Composting can be easy and accessible with their curbside pickups and personalized impact reports to help residents see the difference they’re making.
Co-op members can use coupon code EEFC15 to receive 15% off curbside compost service!
3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Pittsburgh’s only locally owned outdoor gear shop provides quality new and used outdoor products. Founded by Pittsburghers with a passion for adventure, the outdoors, and community, their mission is to connect the Pittsburgh outdoor community, promote the use of Western Pennsylvania’s natural resources for outdoor adventure, and to advocate for sustainable practices. They offer rentals, and host events, too.
Co-op members can show their membership card to receive 10% off once per month!
Events, Classes, & Workshops
As East End Food Co-op continues to explore ways we can serve our community, we want to highlight some of the events we’ve held in 2025.
Patrice Bolomope’s Backyard Chickens Workshop was an incredible opportunity to learn about raising chickens. Interested participants were able to get up close and personal with the birds, who were happy to be fed and held.
Participants were prepared to learn about riparian ecology during our Paw Paws & Butterflies event, but few expected Gabrielle Marsden to pull out a ukulele and finish the presentation with a song about the endangered Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
Our neighbors at Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse kicked off our 2025 calendar with a Puppet Making Workshop. Despite harsh weather conditions, instructors from Creative Reuse braved the elements to host an evening that inspired guests to dive into their imagination.
Trevor Ring of Community Cultures brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to our Intro to Miso workshop. Participants not only learned the history of this staple of Japanese cuisine, but mashed beans, koji, and salt for their own jar of miso paste.
Our Indian Cooking Demonstration and Tasting with Priya Osuri of Anar Gourmet Foods was an aromatic interactive experience. Priya’s enthusiasm filled the room as she shared her expertise & traditional Indian dishes with eventgoers.
Jeonghee Choi of YeGa Kimchi ’s events are often quick to sell out, and Cooking With Kimchi was no exception. Guests learned how to integrate kimchi into other recipes, and went home with a thoughtfully designed recipe book.
Gut health was the focus of Meryem Mammedova’s Benefits of Fermentation event. Meryem shared her own personal health journey and provided samples of Prescription Foods offerings such as cogurt and pickled beets.
Sow & Grow Day was a celebration of all things earthy and sustainable. This free event included a garden marker crafting station from Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, a demonstration of soil quality testing from Penn State Master Gardeners, and a community seed swap.
Finally, Chetia Hurtt of Mana Meals Catering hosted a demonstration of Vegan Comfort Food with 99% of the ingredients sourced from the Co-op! Chetia prepared a full vegan meal slate while answering questions about how to shop smart and make the most of our food budget.
EEFC is grateful to have so many partners providing education, training, and information to our members and customers. Follow us on social media, sign up for our mailing list, or check the Events tab on our website to stay up to date on future events!
We believe one of the most effective ways we support an ethical and resilient food infrastructure is by supporting our local suppliers, which we define as within 250 miles (excluding Canada).
Local Vendors to Spotlight
Twin Brook Dairy Co.
Randi Marchezak was born into a multi- generational family of dairy farmers who started Twin Brook in 1952. Their farm literally has two streams running through it, and each cow has up to 8.5 acres of lush pasture to graze upon.
30 Miles from your Co-op
Lovett Sundries
Lovett Sundries is a family company working out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They offer a line of handcrafted soaps, grooming, and cleaning products that are handmade, all natural, and plastic free.
1 Mile from your Co-op
8.9% 20.4% $2,764,430
Anar Gourmet Foods
Priya draws on the memories of her childhood in India, as well as her mom’s family-heirloom recipes, to make Indian cooking simple and healthy for everyone. Her products are gluten-free, free of preservatives, and come in recyclable packaging.
18 Miles from your Co-op
of All Product SKU’s Are Local
Healthy Heartbeets
HongChing and Julian have teamed up to introduce a superfood product made from beet powder, chia seeds and hemp seeds. High in antioxidants, omega-3’s,protein, and fiber, Healthy HeartBeets helps to enhance blood flow to enhance your wellness routine.
5 Miles from your Co-op
Sustainability
At the East End Food Co-op, sustainability isn’t just a talking point — it’s a guiding principle woven into every aspect of our operations. From sourcing and waste reduction to transportation and community partnerships, we are committed to environmental stewardship and ethical practices that support a healthier planet.
Responsible Sourcing & Buying
We are intentional about the products we bring to our shelves. Our sourcing practices prioritize local, organic, NonGMO, fair trade, and cooperatively-produced goods. We seek out items that are minimally processed, humanely produced, and packaged in materials that can be recycled — all with the aim of supporting systems that respect people, animals, and the Earth.
Composting & Recycling
Our collaboration with Zero Waste Wrangler has significantly strengthened our waste reduction efforts. Led by Kyle Winkler, this partnership ensures that materials like glass and compostables are diverted from landfills and handled responsibly — reinforcing our long-term vision of a zero-waste future.
Supporting Sustainable Transportation
We’re proud to be one of just 71 Bike Friendly Businesses certified in Pennsylvania. To support cyclists in our community, the Co-op offers ample outdoor bike parking, free loaner locks, and an indoor DIY repair station located in the lobby of The Factory near our Penn Avenue entrance.
Fighting Food Waste
Each year, the Co-op prevents over 20,000 pounds of healthy, fresh food from going to waste through our partnership with 412 Food Rescue. These donations help nourish neighbors in need and demonstrate our belief that good food should never be thrown away when it can feed our community.
52,682 Pounds composted
2,189 Pounds of Recycled Glass
211,791 Single-use Bags Saved
