Board Elections 2026

The Kitsap Community Food Co-op began in 2008 with a mission to provide access to locally sourced food and products for our member-owners and the broader community. In 2019, we opened the doors of our store in Downtown Bremerton. Since then, the Co-op has grown through the dedication of a small but committed group of board members, staff, member-owners, and volunteers.

Now, as we look toward the future, we are seeking member-owners who are ready to help guide the next chapter of the Co-op.

Each year, all member-owners have the opportunity to shape the future of the Co-op by nominating and electing members to the Board of Directors. Board service is one of the most important ways member-owners can help strengthen the Co-op, support our mission, and ensure that we remain accountable to the community we serve.

Over the last several months, we have heard from member-owners who want to become more involved in the operations, development, and long-term sustainability of the Co-op. We are excited to build on that energy and invite more member-owner participation as we move forward.

What Does the Board Do?

The Board of Directors is elected by the membership to serve three-year terms as representatives of the member-owners. The Board establishes policies, oversees the operating and capital budgets, approves major plans and recommendations, and sets general guidelines for staff.

Board members also hold ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the Co-op and for fulfilling its mission:

The Kitsap Community Food Co-op connects our local community with quality food, products, and access to information that promotes a healthy future for our families and our planet. Together we work toward a world where mutually beneficial relationships exist between producers and purchasers.

Board members are elected by member-owners using a majority vote, as outlined in our bylaws. Elections are held once per year for vacant seats after the close of the previous fiscal year.

Who Should Consider Running?

We encourage member-owners to consider running for the Board if they care about local food, community ownership, cooperative values, and the long-term success of the Kitsap Community Food Co-op.

You do not need to be an expert in grocery operations to serve. Helpful skills include financial oversight, business development, community engagement, communications, fundraising, project management, human resources, facilities, local food systems, or nonprofit leadership. Just as important are reliability, curiosity, good judgment, and a willingness to work collaboratively.

Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to help the Co-op grow stronger, more sustainable, and more connected to the community.

HOW MANY SEATS ARE ON THE BOARD?

The Kitsap Community Food Coop’s bylaws state that the board shall consist of ten (10) members. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD?

Board Candidates are member-owners in good standing with the Kitsap Community Food Co-op and not paid employees of the store. 

WHAT IS THE TIMETABLE FOR ELECTIONS?

Date Task
6/1/26 Call for nominations open
8/14/26 Board Applications due
8/16/26 Special Meeting of Membership via Zoom with candidate presentations. Candidate statements posted on the KCFC website.
8/16/26 to 8/22/26 Board Elections via online ballot
9/13/26 Annual Meeting, presentation of new board members.

 

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF KCFC BOARD MEMBERS?
Read the KCFC Board Member Job Description

Board member should expect to be engaged for approximately 4-8 hours per month, including:

  • board meetings & preparation
  • committee participation
  • follow-up tasks

The time commitment may be higher during major projects such as relocation planning, membership drives, fundraising campaigns, or officer transitions.Additionally, new board members should be available for additional orientation and training sessions in September, October and November.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER OF KCFC?

Board members gain leadership skills, broaden contacts, deepen decision-making skills, learn complex thinking skills, experience a sense of accomplishment in making a socially responsible contribution, and find community in common purpose. 

ARE BOARD MEMBERS COMPENSATED FOR THEIR SERVICE?

Directors are not financially compensated for their service on the KCFC Board, though reasonable expenses incurred in completion of co-op business can be reimbursed upon request.  

WHAT SKILLS DOES THE CO-OP NEED IN A BOARD MEMBER?

We are looking for community oriented people that have a heart to serve and the bandwidth to assist with a variety of tasks. We also are looking for specific individuals that might come from backgrounds in business management, community development, local food, finance and capital development, human resources, marketing, board governance and much more to help us with the following tasks:

  • Assist with Store Operations and events
  • Social Media and Marketing
  • Social events to engage our community
  • Canvassing to help raise awareness of our store
  • Developing a plan for the next phase of expansion
  • Expanding the diversity of membership
  • Strengthening our policy and governance structures
  • Capital development for expansion and initiatives
  • Community outreach and engagement with like minded organizations

For the past two years, the board has been primarily focused on the operations of our small store in the heart of downtown Bremerton while developing plans for our future. The long-term viability of the co-op depends on a strong board and group of volunteers that can work together on strategies to increase sales and profitability today and plan for our next steps.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE BOARD?

BOARD APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Read all the information on this page and explore the “About” sections of our website at https://www.kitsapfood.coop
  2. Complete the online Board Candidate Application at https://kitsapfood.coop/board-election-application (applications due 5:00pm 8/14/26)
  3. You will be contacted to confirm receipt of your application and to schedule an interview with the Elections Committee.
  4. You will be asked to submit a photo and information for a candidate statement which will be posted on our website.
  5. A “Meet the Candidates” meeting available to all member-owners via Zoom on Wednesday, August 16, 2026.
  6. Online member voting will be August 16-22, 2026.
  7. New Board Members will be installed during the board meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
  8. At the next regular board meeting following the Annual Meeting, new board members are seated and the Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Clerk) are chosen.

 

HOW DOES THE ELECTION TAKE PLACE?

The Kitsap Community Food Co-op uses a majority vote ballot.

  • Member-owners may submit their ballot online or request one by mail. 
  • Member-owners will vote for the number of candidates equal to the number of vacant board positions.
  • The elections committee will tally the ballots.
  • At the Annual Meeting of Members, newly elected board members will be announced based on a majority of submitted ballots.

Board Candidate Application Form - Apply Now!

------------------

Questions? Contact: Board@kitsapfood.coop