4 minute read
Book Group Debuts
Finding Solidarity and Purpose at HWFC’s Inaugural Book Group by Susan Andrews
Honest Weight Food Co-op’s book group held its first meeting via Zoom on Jan. 14, 2021. January’s book selection was Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants by Jon Steinman. Some folks may remember Steinman, who paid a visit to HWFC in April 2019 to discuss and sell his then recently released book. The book group will continue meeting virtually from 7–9 pm on the second Thursday of every odd month (March, May, July, etc.). Prior to discussion, Membership Committee Chair Cara Benson paid tribute to longtime committed HWFC member Stephen Winters, who served as the impetus behind the book group. Stephen passed away on New Year’s Eve (see page 10). “The book group would not have happened without his guidance,” Cara stated, lauding Stephen for setting up the 20% book group discount with the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza. He will be greatly missed by all. Approximately 10 members attended. The everyday familiarity and history between book group participants was evident; comments, opinions, and other insights provided an engaging, thoughtful evening. An online platform is not ideal for a book group but did not hamper the discussion one bit. And for one participant, me, it allowed for a glass of wine while listening to the conversation—which is not something I would have done in the Co-op Community Room. The evening opened with a brief discussion around cooperative core principles, which include investment in family, neighborhood, and community. All agreed with the heartfelt sentiment of a participant who stated that our Co-op provides members with “solidarity and purpose.” The rest of the meeting served only to support that statement.
Four topics emerged as discussion developed.
1. What is a slotting fee?
A slotting fee is a one-time, lump sum payment a vendor pays to the grocer to have its product featured on store shelves and stored within the facility. The slotting fee is controversial, viewed by many as discriminatory since most small businesses cannot afford it. Large-scale grocers may believe the fee protects against product failure, stating that a majority of new product introductions fail.
Slotting practices also occur in smaller grocery settings. Grocery Story cites one story of a small-scale chocolate vendor required to clean and organize shelf space displaying candy products in exchange for product placement. A store employee familiar with our stocking practices reported that HWFC does not use a pay-to-play policy; although some Co-op suppliers—in particular, bread vendors—do have specifically allotted shelf space and stock their own shelves.
2. What is local?
A longtime member explained that over the years—and as a result of the increase in HWFC product types—the definition has broadened to accommodate suppliers far and wide. Of note, some local suppliers repackage products grown elsewhere. For example, Tierra Farms roasts and redistributes nuts not grown locally—making the business local, but not the product.
The store actually carries two groups of local products: regular items, and those that pass on an extra 5% local discount to the customer (generated automatically at checkout).
We foster relationships with local farmers and carry local products more so than chain groceries.
3. Vendor connections
How do producers reach potential retail partners? One participant described a difficult past experience in which she tried to establish a market for small-scale farm products in the Mohawk Valley. She suggested that small farmers would welcome advice; others agreed on the need for written information. Another reported that Honest Weight receives regular vendor requests inquiring how to partner. Co-op staff are often invited to community events and symposiums (e.g., Cornell Cooperative Extension meetings) to talk about participating.
How are working relationships between the store and local vendors generated and maintained? Since the Co-op needs to secure products with varying delivery schedules and reusable packaging options (think bins for apples), communication is important. HWFC prefers electronic messaging regarding availability, price, and quantity.
Participants contrasted HWFC’s buying customs with those of grocery chains practicing strict delivery and receiving schedules. While farmers prefer once-a-week delivery, the Co-op likes more frequent arrivals in order to offer the freshest produce on the shelves. Unlike chain stores, Honest Weight will often compromise to find what works mutually, a staff attendee reported; each department deals with suppliers differently, and all are committed to consistent, healthy relationships.
HWFC vendor payment procedures are also distinctive. Large chains issue payment 30 days after delivery. This requires farmers to float bills over the season, which is just not possible for many vendors. In contrast, the Co-op pays more frequently, and sometimes in cash. Larger chains generally offer less opportunity for negotiating. All agreed that we need to have humane relationships with our vendors and that a continued focus on fostering good relationships with the smaller guys is critical. Money spent locally stays local.
4. Considering Governance
Lastly, discussion gravitated to the role of the Board and committees. Several wondered to what degree we take recommendations to heart, discussing committees’ roles and how effectively governance works. Avid discussion revealed how important these issues are to active members.
