ABOUT OUR CO-OP Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op was incorporated in 1976. By serving the needs of our diverse membership, we have grown through the years. Our current store has more than 7, 300 square feet of space, and we serve several hundred members each day. To the casual visitor, Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op is simply a retail store that specializes in natural foods, supplements and related items. However, at a fundamental level, we are very different from profit-oriented enterprises. Like the thousands of other cooperatives around the world, Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op is owned by its members. Currently, the co-op has more than 4, 100 members. The members can vote not only with their dollars, as in a regular store, but also with their ballots. The members elect a board of directors. The stores general manager reports to the board of directors. The managers are responsible for day-to-day operation of the store, with the help of roughly 60 staffers. Anyone can become a member. While members enjoy special benefits, nonmembers are welcome to shop at the co-op. We envision Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op to be the foundation of a trusted, cooperative marketplace of goods and services that provides for the needs of our diverse community. The purpose of Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op is to be a vital, thriving and growing community center that will: Provide and promote organically grown, sustainably produced food, goods and services that are locally and regionally sourced whenever possible. Promote the health and wellness of our community by providing facilities, resources and information, and by offering effective, positive community education and services.