Owner Newsletter
Q+A Door Prizes drawn and winners announced (must be present to win)
now accepting tax-deductible donations through the Bluegrass Community Foundation
In order to grow, sometimes you need a little extra TLC. Good Foods Co-op is lucky to be a part of the Bluegrass Community Foundation, which means we are able to accept donations in order to keep our store thriving and striving to always improve Your support means the world to us! Scan the QR code to donate and champion Good Foods Co-op alongside the many local makers and shakers we support
Spring brings renewal, and at Good Foods Co-op, we’re embracing growth and transformation. I’m thrilled to share that our sales have remained strong in early 2025, reflecting our community’s commitment to shopping local and supporting a resilient food system.
As an owner or customer, every purchase you make invests in sustainable agriculture, ethical sourcing, and a business that prioritizes people over profit If you’re not yet an owner, now is a great time to join and support a movement dedicated to transparency, integrity, and local food security
Shopping at Good Foods keeps money in our community, benefiting local farmers, artisans, and producers. Unlike big-box retailers, cooperatives reinvest in the neighborhoods we serve, fostering economic stability and access to high-quality, ethically sourced products
We believe everyone deserves access to nutritious, highquality food That’s why we offer organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced products for all dietary preferences. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or simply seeking wholesome ingredients, we provide options that support your well-being and help build a healthier community—one meal at a time
Our Give Where You Live initiative continues to make an impact In 2024, we raised $18,630.30 for local community partners through our Community Round Up program Every time you round up at the register, your spare change supports food security, sustainability projects, and local nonprofits that make a real difference Small donations add up to big change!
We’re calling on our owners to support the cooperative through our Owner Loan Capital Campaign This initiative funds future improvements, ensuring we can continue providing high-quality goods and services while maintaining financial stability. We’re still accepting owner loans and donations every contribution, big or small, helps us grow
If you’d like to invest in the future of Good Foods Co-op, reach out to me or visit our website for details. Your support keeps our cooperative strong and thriving
Thank you for being part of the Good Foods family Together, we’re building a brighter future one meal, one dollar, and one choice at a time.
In cooperation, Holly Deering, General Manager
Steve Kay
It is a marketing truism that word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising. I was reminded of this when I met someone at a small gathering who had returned to Lexington about a year ago after a number of years away. As we exchanged information about ourselves, I mentioned that I am on the Good Foods Co-op Board. The conversation then went something like this.
“When I lived here before, I shopped at the Co-op. It was a great place. Where is it now?”
“On Southland Drive.”
“Really. I’m a regular at the bagel place on Southland. Now that I know where the Co-op is I’ll do my shopping there when I get my bagels.”
“That would be great.”
Fortunately, the Co-op has over ten thousand “mouths,” owners who have a vested interest in the wellbeing of the Co-op. Since you are reading this, you are most likely one of those “mouths.” (If you are not an owner, please consider becoming one.) I encourage you to help build the Co-op’s customer base and number of owners by finding opportunities to share with others your reasons for shopping at the Coop, and to share the ways in which the Co-op is so much more than a grocery store. Each person who learns more about the Co-op, each person who becomes a shopper, and each person who becomes an owner contributes to the positive momentum we are now experiencing.
Meet your 2025 good foods co-op board candidates
Duayna is a Lexington local who has been rting the Co-op since 2018, shortly after she here from Florida. She felt a calling to serve Board in an effort to support the mission of -op and connecting community members rself to nearby makers and farmers. She es in sustainability, creative reuse, a strong conomy, helping your neighbor, and to Theodore Roosevelt, doing “What you can, hat you have, where you are.” In her sional life, she is a Regional Sales Manager for 3 hotels, marketing and selling her properties to businesses and event guests. She loves the relationships she has built with her guests in her career of hospitality and serving
Jennifer has been a Good Foods Co-op owner for more than 25 years. As a longtime supporter, former café manager and advocate for cooperative values, she believes in the Coop’s mission to provide access to local, healthy food while fostering an engaged community. With an educational and professional background in finance, communications, policy and law, as well as hands-on experience in food service and program development, Jennifer strives to bring strategic insight and operational knowledge to the Board. She is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will ensure the Co-op thrives for years to come.
Greg is currently the Front End Manager at Good Foods Co-Op and has been both an employee and owner since 2022. As a vegan and passionate advocate for healthy eating, he is deeply invested in the Co-Op's success. Greg’s role in Co-Op operations provides him with a unique perspective that he believes would be valuable to the board In his free time, Greg enjoys running with the John Run/Walk Shop run club and practicing yoga at Sterling Hot Yoga.
Katie McKinney is a Lexington native and has been an owner at Good Foods since 2010 Katie has degrees in finance and accounting and has worked for several local businesses. She currently serves as a Business Officer with UK. Katie has a passion for local food and supporting local farmers and producers. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve the board and community at Good Foods.
Carol has been retired for almost a year and is enjoying time with family and the pursuit of my many interests. Taking care of our environment is one of those interests. In her first term on the board, she was fortunate to serve as the chairperson of the Sustainability Committee. The committee worked with the GFC General Manager and waste management personnel to return recycling bins to the co-op. If elected for a second term, she hopes to work with the co-op to make additional improvements that will further the reduction of its environmental impact.
About The Board
Duayna Brown
Jennifer Burnett
Greg Huber
Your elected Board of Directors represent you, our owners, as they help make decisions about our strategic goals and ensure the sound management of our Co-op. Each board member is elected to serve a three year term. Terms are then staggered so about a third of the board is elected or re-elected each year. To vote on this year’s ballot, visit our website or social media channels which will both guide you to the appropriate form. You may also vote via paper ballot in store!
Kate McKinny
Carol Young
*Please vote for up to 5 candidates
*Please vote for up to 5 candidates
Time to select our 2025-26 give where you live partners
Bluegrass Council for the Blind
Bluegrass Green Source
Broke Spoke
Carnegie Center
Casa De La Cultura
Children’s Advocacy Center
DV8
Floracliff
Foster Care Council
Friends of the Lexington Public Library
Let’s give back to our community! You can access more information alongside the mission statements of each group on the GWYL page on our website. The Top 10 organizations chosen will be our Give Where You Live partners from May 2025 through April 2026. The Good Foods Charitable Foundation and Kentucky Double Dollars program will round out the year as our remaining recipients!
Glean, KY
God’s Pantry
HOPE Spay Neuter
Jubilee Jobs
Justin’s Place
KY Youth Law Project
Red Oaks Forest School
Trees Lexington
Scan this code or click here to access the voting form. you may also vote in store via paper ballot
Cranberry Short Ribs
Ribsaren’tjustforbarbecue!Thesetenderribsare bathedinafestivecranberrysaucethattakes hardlyanytimetomake Asideofpotatoesor noodlesprovidesagreatwaytomopupthe flavorfulsauceandcompletethemeal
Ingredients:
2 pounds short ribs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3/4 cup apple juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350 F Place the ribs in a small casserole or nine-by-nine-inch square baking pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cover with foil or a lid and bake for one hour and 15 minutes After the initial roasting, drain off any excess fat
In a small saucepan, whisk the flour and brown sugar, then gradually whisk in apple juice Add orange zest and cranberries and stir
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil Pour the sauce over the baked ribs, turning to coat Return ribs to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes Serve hot
Serving suggestion:
A salad with a bitter green, like radicchio, topped with oranges, or a side of sautéed broccoli pairs nicely with the richness of this dish
Click here (https://www.deals.coop/good-foods-co-op/home) to see current deals.