Dear Community,
The Astoria Co+op management, staff, and board of directors feel sadness and pain regarding the tragic and inhumane death of George Floyd and the systemic racism that has led to many other inhumane Black deaths across the country.
As a small first step, our co-op has donated $500 to the Southern Poverty Law Center and $500 to the Equal Justice Initiative. Both organizations work to undo injustice and provide educational opportunities surrounding racial justice work.
National Co+op Grocers has spent considerable time and energy the last several years working on racial diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have been a part of this work as an NCG board member. Now, more than ever, is the time to take up this work in earnest at the local level.
For our co-op, it will start with education, making unconscious bias training part of our hiring, training, and board work. Improving diversity and inclusivity is not only the right thing to do, it will also strengthen our business and the positive impact we have on the community.
The world is in turmoil right now, but the viral, racism, and mental health pandemics are exposing many opportunities to make the world a better place. As our co-op navigates the daily challenges of operating a grocery store in this climate and continues to grow and mature as a business, we are committed to keeping the conversation going and working to find ways that a cooperative grocer can play its part in improving Black lives.
Sincerely,
Matt Stanley
Astoria Co+op General Manager
You can reach Matt at matt@astoria.coop or (503) 325-0027.