March 22/14 – Maple syrup demonstration with Mustard Seed producer Shawn Groen of Tree to Table Maple Syrup just outside of Dundas in Troy, Ontario.
Our First Annual General Meeting is coming up!
We’re hosting our first AGM on April 16th, and all members are encouraged to attend. The AGM will include a presentation of our financial reports, ratification of bylaws, and updates on co-op operations. We will also be electing two new Directors. Don’t worry, though, it’s not just all business, this is a party to celebrate our success in opening Hamilton’s only community-owned grocery store! Come celebrate with us.
When: Wednesday, April 16, 7-9pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Where: First Unitarian Church, 170 Dundurn St S, Hamilton (south of Main). Parking available, but please walk/cycle/carpool if you can.
What to bring: Your member card & passport (to get stamped).
Who: The AGM is open to everyone, but only member-households can vote.
Board Nominations close April 6th
We are looking for two positive, hard-working, and committed individuals preferably with some board-level experience and a passion for local food and co-operation. We are specifically interested in candidates with the following skills and experience to build on our current strengths:
- Financial Management
- Producer OR Retail Grocery Experience
Read more about what it means to be a Director of the Co-op on our website. Board nominations from the floor will close at 7pm on April 16, 2014.
Local Food Fund
We are thrilled to launch our Local Food Networks Strategy two-year pilot project thanks to a $117,603 grant from Ontario’s Local Food Fund! The grant covers 50% of the expenses for the two year development phase, with the other 50% coming from The Mustard Seed Co-op budget. This strategy will allow us to undertake parts of co-op vision that otherwise would have been delayed as we establish the business.
Key components of the strategy include:
- Two full-time positions : Local Food Manager and Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator
- Proactive relationship development with local farmers and producers with a goal to work with 200 by the end of the pilot phase
- Develop clear and effective communication methods on availability and benefits of local food
- Help producers gauge and understand consumer demand for broad spectrum of local foods
- Create and host education sessions, cooking classes, farm tours, and other food culture events
- Develop, implement, and track strategies for effectively promoting local food with knowledge to be shared with partners and funders
- Empower members and community to align their purchasing priorities for local by finding and stocking a full spectrum of local grocery products
Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator
Save the Date: June 7 – Grand Opening
