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Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors Application 2026

The application period has closed. 

Elections run from October 15th to November 15th. You can participate and vote in the Board election on this page.

What does the Board do?

The Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors is the body elected to represent the membership and holds ultimate legal responsibility for the operations and actions of the Co-op. The Board establishes policies, oversees the operating and capital budgets, approves plans and recommendations, and sets general guidelines and goals for staff, working members, and the organization at large.

When and where are the Board meetings?

Once a month, on the third Thursday, from 6-8:30 pm. Participation can be in person or through Zoom. Interested members are encouraged to attend the meetings.

Meeting Location: 610 Columbia St SW, Olympia WA, 98502

How long is one term?

Board members serve three-year terms.

What is the time commitment for a Board member?

Board members volunteer about 10 or more hours monthly. This includes meetings and work within the Committees of the Board (each member is required to join 2-3).

What are the Committees of the Board?

They are made up of Board members, members-at-large, and staff members. Each committee develops and recommends plans and policies that are passed to the Board for approval. Committees include Board Development, Expansion, Finance, Local Products, Member Relations, Advocacy, Capital Campaign and Standing Hiring.

How do the Board and Committees make decisions?

Guided by the Co-op’s Bylaws and consensus decision making practices, the members work together to build consensus.

Will there be training for the newly elected Board members?

Yes, they will receive training in consensus decision making, finance, organizational overview, and more.

Who is eligible to run for the Board?

Board of Director seats are open to all active members of the Co-op who have accurate contact information on file and agree to the following commitments: attend the monthly Board meetings, serve on Committees of the Board, and volunteer 10+ hours each month.

How do you run for the Board?

The application period has ended. You can vote in the Board election on this page.

What happens after you apply?

The Board and staff will prepare the election materials for the October 15th – November 15th election period. December 17th will be the first meeting with our newly elected Board members!

Will there be an opportunity to communicate to the membership?

Yes! Each Board applicant will be invited to make a short speech at the 2026 Annual Membership Meeting, November 14th from 11-2 PM at the ASHHO Cultural Community Center (5757 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater). Also, the election materials will consist of the photograph and answers to the questions in the application. These materials will be available online and in printed formats in the stores.

If you would like to talk to a current Board member about what it is like to be on the Board, feel free to email ofcboard@lists.olympiafood.coop or join us at a Board meeting.