Good Foods Cooperative records
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Good Foods Cooperative records
- Date
- 1972-1995, undated (inclusive)
- Extent
- 8 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Food cooperatives
- Groceries.
- Local foods
- Stores, Retail -- Kentucky -- Lexington.
- Arrangement
- The collection is arranged by format in two series: Organizational papers and Accounting cycle. The contents of the series are arranged in alphabetical order.
- Preferred Citation
- 2009ms124 : [identification of item] Good Foods Cooperative records, 1972-1995, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- The Good Foods Cooperative (Co-op) was incorporated in November 1972 in Lexington, Kentucky, and consisted of 80 household members. The Co-op a preorder retail whole foods buying made sales only to members. By the time it opened a neighborhood storefront on Ashland Avenue in August of the following year, it had 200 member households. Co-op members provided all the labor on a volunteer basis for all the activities required to operate their storefront. Members collectively owned and operated their grocery store which was an alternative organization. Decisions were made democratically in monthly member meetings with several committees delegated the responsibility to make day-to-day operational decisions. The Co-op sometimes closed because of a lack of volunteer labor, added paid staff to help coordinate the volunteers and operate the store.
- The Co-op membership at 620 by 1977 was too large for the small Ashland Avenue store. The members decided to move to a downtown warehouse on East Short Street in March of 1977. By December of 1978 membership had reached 1400 households. Direct democracy began to give way to representative democracy as the membership delegated more and more decision making to a five-member elected Directive Collective. Staff similarly organized themselves into a Coordinator Collective.
- Members transformed the warehouse into an attractive retail grocery. "Food for People not for Profit", became part of the downtown Lexington scene. Member growth and sales continued to increase. By 1980 sales were expected to reach half a million and membership was over 3,000 households. The rapid growth in sales and membership was accompanied by a series of problems associated with organization and decision making. Operating a large successful grocery store that sold only to members primarily with member volunteer labor was a difficult challenge. A shortage of volunteers led to the increasing use of paid staff to operate the store. Difficulties were suddenly more complicated when the Co-op was forced to relocate because of the pending demolition of their East Short Street building.
- After a series of difficult decisions making meetings, the members decided where to move. The choice of Woodhill Center, a far east side location would put the Co-op on a path of the financial crisis, declining sales, and memberships for nearly five years. Coping with these difficulties lead to decisions that significantly changed the nature of the Co-op. Markups increased to forty percent in 1981 and sales to nonmembers for the first time began in December 1984. Volunteer labor continued to be replaced by paid managers and workers.
- In spite of the changes to reduce cost and increase sales the necessity for the Co-op to move to a more suitable location became obvious if it were to continue to exist. The dissolution of the Co-op was considered. A relocation task force began to search for new locations closer to the south side of Lexington where most of the Co-op members lived. For the third move (June 1986), while the membership made the decision to move the Board of Directors, formerly the Directive Collective, selected the location 439 Southland Drive, the present location.
- Scope and Content
- The Good Foods Cooperative records (dated 1972-1995, undated; 8 boxes; 8 cubic feet) comprise reports, minutes, financial reports, invoices and store logs for Lexington, Kentucky's largest food cooperative. The Organizational papers series contains official business records, such as articles of incorporation and by-laws, Board of Directors reports, and Directors and Member meeting minutes. The series also includes newsletters from the 1970s thru the mid 1990s. The collection contains all the financial records for the 1986 accounting cycle like invoices and register reports.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
Organizational papers, 1972-1995
Scope and Contents
The Organizational Papers series contains all the records and documents of the volunteer Board of Directors and its forerunners, the various volunteer committees and the materials, and records the employed staff prepared, for the Board and the membership. The series also contains copies of the Coop's newsletters, 1973-1995, and a newsletter table of contents.
Annual Report of Corporation and Statement of Corporation, 1972
Articles of Incorporation, 1989
Articles of Incorporation, 1972
Articles of Incorporation; Amended, 1988 May 19
Board of Directors, 1973-1994
Candidate's Petition and Resignation, 1989/1991
Executive Committee Meetings, 1985-1994
1994 February 1
1993 November 16
1993 October 19
1993 September 21
1993 July 20
1993 June 15
1993 May 18
1985-1991
Job Descriptions, 1982-1992
Meetings, 1973-1994
- Box 1, folder 1
1994 January 10
1993 December 13
1993 November 8
1993 October 11
1993 September 13
Executive Session, 1993 August 9
1993 August 9
1993 July 12
1993 June 14
1993 May 10
1993 April 12
1993 March 8
1993 February 8
1993 January 11
1992 December 14
1992 November 6
1992 October 12
1992 September 14
1992 August 10
1992 July 13
1992 June 8
1992 May 13
1992 April 13
1992 March 9
1992 February 10
1992 January 13
1991 December 19
1992 November 11
1991 October 14
1991 September 9
1991 August 12
1991 July 8
1991 June 10
1991 May 13
1991 April 8
1991 March 11
1991 January 14
1990 December 10
1990 November 12
1990 October 8
1990 September 10
1990 August 13
1990 July 9
1990 June 11
1990 May 14
1990 April 9
1990 February 12
1990 January 11
1989 December 12
1989 November 13
1989 October 9
1989 September 11
1989 August 14
1989 July 10
1989 June 12
1989 May 8
1989 April 10
1989 March 13
1989 February 13
1989 January 9
1988 December 12
1988 October 10
1988 September 12
1988 August 8
1988 July 11
1988 June 13
1988 May 9
1988 March 14
1988 February 8
1988 January 11
1987 December 28
1987 December 14
1987 November 9
1987 October 12
1987 August 10
1987 July 7
1987 June 2
1987 May 5
1987 April 7
1987 February 3
1987 January 6-7
1986 December 1
1986 November 10
1986 October 6
1986 September 9
1986 July 9
1986 June 2
1986 May 5
1986 April 7
1986 February 3
1986 January 6
1985 December 16
1985 December 2
1985 November 18
1985 November 4
1985 October 7/October 21
1985 September 23
1985 July 8
1985 June 24
1985 June 10
1985 May 6
1985 April 22
1985 April 3
1985 March 18
1985 March 4
1985 January 7
1984 December 17
1984 December 3
1984 November 19
1984 November 5
1984 October 15
1984 September 10
1984 August 20
1984 August 6
1984 July 23
1984 June 18
1984 June 4
1984 May 7
1984 April 16
1984 April 2
1984 March 19
1984 March 5
1984 February 20
1984 February 6
1984 January 23
1984 January 9
1983 December 19
circa 1983 November 20
1983 November 7
1983 October 10
1983 September 26
1983 September 12
1983 August
1983 August 22
1983 August 8
1983 July 25
1983 July 11
1983 June 30
1983 June 6
1983 May 16
1983 May 2
1983 April 2/April 18
1983 March 7/March 21
1983 February 21
1983 February 7
1983 January 17
Directive Collective, 1983 January 3
Directive Collective, 1981 January-May
Directive Collective, 1981 June-December
Directive Collective, 1973-1982
Ombudsperson, 1984-1986
Other, 1991-1995
Retreats, before 1980-1993
- Box 1, folder 1
Mini Retreat, Lexington Public Library, 1993 November 6
Cumberland Falls, 1993 October 16-17
Shakertown, Final Minutes, 1993 April 24-25
1992 October 3
1991 November 21
1991 October 19
1991 April 20
Flip chart pages, 1990 October 20
before 1980
Self-Evaluation, 1986, 1992
By-Laws, 1972-1991
Amended, 1991 June 23
Amended, 1985
Adopted, 1983 August 23
Proposed, 1983 May 16
Passed, 1982
Proposed Changes, 1981
Passed, 1980 June
Proposed, Drafts, 1979
Original, 1972 November 28
Center for Science in the Public Interest; Nutrition Action Healthsletter, 1984 January-1986 May
Committees, 1981-1994
By-Law, 1981-1990
Committee Job Descriptions, various dates
Education Committee, 1981-1989
Environmental Concerns, 1990-1994
Finance, 1982-1989
Food Policy (Ad Hoc), 1989
Marketing, 1983-1990
Marketing, Shopper's Survey (Michael Alexander), 1988
Member Relations, 1984-1991
Newsletter (Ad Hoc), 1990 December 20
Nominations, 1986-1990
Orientation, 1980 May
Personnel, 1983-1989
Planning, 1983-1985
Store Location Task Force, 1983
Consultant Report; Store Layout, Renovations, 1990
Consultant's Report; Store Management, Cooperative Organizations, (Gaylen Fox/Harold Love), 1982/1983
Cooperative Theory and Background Information, 1975-1992
Deli, 1989
Extra (five percent) Discount Day Buttons, 1994 October 29
FORC, 1990-1992
FORC, 1986-1989
FORC, 1977-1985
Financial, 1975-1992
General, 1990-1992
Financial Analysis, 1988
Financial Analysis, 1987
Financial Analysis, 1985
Financial Analysis, 1978-1980
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1984
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1983
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1983
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1982
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1982
Financial Analysis; Auditors Statements, 1981
Capitalization (Planning flip chart pages), 1992
Capitalization, 1989-1990
Capitalization, 1986-1987
Capitalization, 1977
Chart of Accounts, 1984
Payroll/Disbursement Journal, 1986 January-June
Payroll/Disbursement Journal, 1986 July-December
Payroll/Disbursement Journal, 1987 January-June
Payroll/Disbursement Journal, 1987 July-December
Sales Journal (pages 1-50), 1985 February-1989 January
Financial Analyses, 1975, 1986 December
Food Irradiation, 1984-1985
General membership, 1973-1993
Handbooks/Manuals, 1990-1991
Meeting, 1993 September 19
Meeting, 1993 July 11
Meeting, 1993 March 27
Meeting, 1992 September 27
Meeting, 1991 September 29
Meeting, 1991 June 23
Meeting, 1991 March 24
Meeting, 1990 September
Meeting, 1990 April 2
Meeting, 1986 March 9
Meeting, 1985 November 21
Meeting, 1983 June 26
Meeting, 1983 June 5
Meeting, 1982 June 6
Meeting (Field Notes), 1979 December-1980 December
Meeting (Field Notes and Bi-Weekly Managers Meetings), 1976 November 28-1977 December
Membership Lists, 1973, 1995
Other, 1973-1994
Recipe Book, 1973
Recruitment, 1979-1989
Special Meeting, Relocation to Southland, 1986 January 27
Suggestions, 1983, 1985
Surveys, 1984, 1986
Workshops, Lectures and Events, 1976-1986
History; Co-op History Project Envelope, 1995
History, 1972-1991
History; Records Book (Pam Wood), 1972-1981
Kentucky Alliance of Cooperatives (KAC), 1979-1987
Legislation; General Assembly, KY, Co-op Corporations, Draft, 1986
Mission, Objectives and Goals; Statement of Purpose and Values, 1985, 1990
Mission, Objectives and Goals, 1982-1988
Newsletter, 1973-1995, undated
Editorial Policy, undated
Index (Prepared by Melanie Qualls), 1973-1990
Issue, 1973
Issue, 1974
Issue, 1975
Issue, 1976
Issue, 1977
Issue, 1978
Issue, 1979
Issue, 1980
Issue, 1981
Issue, 1982
Issue, 1983
Issue, 1984
Issue, 1985
Issue, 1986
Issue, 1987
Issue, 1988
Issue, 1989
Issue, 1990
Issue, 1991
Issue, 1992
Issue, 1993
Issue, 1994
Issue, 1995
Nutrition Information, circa 1975-1980
Staff, 1987-1991
Summary, 1973 January-1976 December
Supplemental, undated
Supplemental, Artwork, undated
Supplemental, Food Rap, Nutrition Articles (Originals), undated
Supplemental, Ideas for Newsletters, undated
Supplemental, Layout, undated
Operations, 1973-1993
Annual Reports, 1982-1983
Business Plans, 1990 May-June
Cooperative Audit, 1983
Coordinator Collective (CC) Meetings, 1981-1983
Employee Benefits, 1979-1983
General Manager, 1985-1988
Evaluations, 1981-1988
Job Descriptions, 1985-1988
Lead Coordinator, 1983-1984
Management Reports, 1983-1990
Member Liaison/Coordinator, 1985-1986
Member Services Coordinator, 1989-1990
Nutrition Information, 1985-1989
Other, 1990-1993
Personnel Policies, 1973-1986
Product Information, 1995
Register Logs, 1975 November 5-1976 May 5
Register Logs, 1987 February 16-1987 June 23
Temporary "Turnaround Coordinator", 1984 May 7
Volunteer Worker Information, 1989
Other Co-ops and Credit Unions, 1973-1985
Other Co-ops; Newsletters, 1975-1985
Other Organizations, 1970-1990
Photographs, 1979-1989
Physical Plant; Outdoor Sign (John Gravely), 1992
Physical Plant; Relocation from South Ashland Avenue, 1975
Physical Plant; Relocation from Woodhill, 1985
Principles, Policies and Procedures; Discount Policy, before 1990
Principles, Policies and Procedures, 1982, 1989
Principles, Policies and Procedures;, 1981-1991
Promotional Items; Hat, 1993
Promotional Items; Other, undated
Promotional Items; Shirts, 1989
Roberts & Kay, 1983-1993
Survey; In-Store, 1990
Survey; In-Store, 1985 June 4-6
Training materials, 1975-1993
Board of Directors (prepared by David Gutknecht and Karen Zimbeelman), 1992
Board of Directors, 1980-1993
Training Materials and Sessions, 1987
Board of Directors (packet), 1986 December
Directive-Collective, 1975
Financial, 1984 February, 1992 February, 1985 December-1996 January
Operations, 1976-1990
Volunteers; Discount Policy/Work Requirements, 1980-1992
List, 1980
Work (In-Store) Records, 1986-1989
Accounting cycle, 1986
Scope and Contents
The Account Cycle series contains the accounting materials for 1986. Daily cash register sheets, invoices, various journals are included.
Daily Sheets, 1986
December 12 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 December 2-31
November 11 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 November 2-30
October 9 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 October 1-November 1
September 9 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 September 2-30
August 7 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 August 2-29
July 7 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 July 1-31
June 6 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 June 1-30
May 5 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 May 2-31
Complete set, 1986 April 1-May 1
March 3 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 March 1-31
February 2-3 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 February 1-28
January 2-3 complete set; rest only summary, 1986 January 2-31
Deposit Adjustments, 1986
Deposit Slips, 1986 October-December
Deposit Slips, 1986 July-September
Deposit Slips, 1986 April-June
Deposit Slips, 1986 January-March
Food Losses, 1986
General Ledger - Monthly Summary, 1986
Invoices; Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), 1986
Alfalfa Restaurant, 1986
Aubrey Organics, 1986
The Bakery, 1986
Bioforce of America Ltd., 1986
Bloemer's, 1986
Chern, 1986
Clark Products, Inc., 1986
Conacho Enterprises, Inc., 1986
Curtis Circulation Company, 1986
The Dannon Company, Inc., 1986
Doyle Water Distributors, 1986
EastWest, 1986
Everfresh Products, Inc., 1986
Flavo-Rich Dairy Products (Don Embree), 1986
Great Harvest, 1986
H & H Food Company, 1986
Highbridge Spring Water, 1986
Highlands, 1986
Iceberg Water Company, 1986
Irene's Health Baker, Inc., 1986
Albert Kessler (Consolidated Frieghtways), 1986
Miscellaneous, 1986
New Leaf Distributing Company, 1986
Pure Maple Syrup, 1986
Rio Grande Trading Company, 1986
Riverview Orchard, 1986
Robinjay Enterprises, 1986
Bennie Robinson, Inc., 1986
Rodale Press Inc., 1986
Royal Crown Lex, 1986
Scott-Gross Company, Inc., 1986
Solaray, 1986
Tommy & Friends, 1986
Tropical & Fruit Company, 1986
Vegetarian Life and Time Inc., 1986
Vital Body Marketing Company, Inc., 1986
Walnut Acres, Inc., 1986
Wine & Schulz, Inc., 1986
Invoices; Non-Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), 1986
The Appalachian Center, 1986
Bauman Paper Company, 1986
Grindmaster, 1986
Hubert, 1986
The Kentucky Press, Inc., 1986
Kentucky Cabinet for Human Resources, 1986
Miscellaneous, 1986
New Hope Communications, 1986
Welcome Wagon, 1986
Moving File (Woodhill to Southland Drive), 1986
Quarterly Financial Backup, 1986 October-December
Quarterly Financial Backup, 1986 July-September
Quarterly Financial Backup, 1986 April-June
Quarterly Financial Backup, 1986 January-March
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Table of Contents
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.