Election 2026 - Board of Directors

Honest Weight Food Co-op is Seeking New Board Directors!

Please consider running for the Honest Weight Food Co-op (HWFC) Board of Directors. Our Co-op thrives because Member-Owners step forward to serve in this vital leadership role, helping guide our mission and strengthen our community.

About the Board of Directors - Background and Application Process

Honest Weight Food Co-op is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors elected by the Membership. The Board does not manage day-to-day store operations. What the Board does do is:

Recommend major policy decisions and objectives for Membership approval
Facilitate long-range planning for the Co-op
Protect the Co-op's assets and reputation
Determine the Co-op's management structure
Hires and supervises key management positions

The Board meets monthly and communicates regularly with the Membership about its work and decisions. At least four Membership meetings are held annually to vote on matters such as bylaw changes, policies, annual budgets, Board elections, and Governance Review Council members. Board committees - made up of Member-Owners - play an important role in informing Board decisions.

Why Serve?

Directors are motivated by service to the Membership and the broader community. Serving on the Board is a meaningful opportunity to help shape how Honest Weight fulfills its mission. Board service does involve legal obligations, time commitments, and fiduciary responsibilities, which should be carefully considered before applying.

For additional information and to learn more, visit these website pages:
Board of Directors
Board Meeting Minutes - an archive of Board meeting agendas, decisions, minutes and packets
Inside Scoop - an archive of "News and Views" from the Board of Directors

2026 Board Election Information (Nominations are now open)

Election Date: April 26, 2026
Location: Annual Membership Meeting
Open Seats: 5 Board positions
Submit the online Board Nomination Form (linked below), or pick up a paper nomination form at the Customer Service Desk

Floor nominations will also be accepted at the April 26 Membership Meeting. Floor nominees who accept nomination must complete a brief informational application.

All nomination forms (excluding contact information) received by 8:00 AM on April 26 will be shared with the Membership and posted in the store.

Requirements for Board Nominees:

To be eligible you must:

Be a current Co-op Member-Owner in good standing, with ownership payments and time investment up to date as of March 31, 2026
- To verify your standing, contact our Membership Manager: MemberServices@honestweight.coop
Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including those of a spouse, partner, or immediate family member (employment, financial interests, or other relationships that may conflict with Co-op business)

Meet the Candidate Events

Nominees are asked to participate in virtual "Meet the Candidates" sessions. These sessions allow Members to learn more about your interest in serving on the Board.

Two hybrid Meet the Candidates Sessions are scheduled - participants can attend in-person in the HWFC Community Room or on Zoom. The Membership Meeting Zoom link should be used to access both sessions: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81073676905

Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

What you need to know before applying

Time & Participation Expectations

Directors are expected to:

Attend monthly Board meetings and periodic planning sessions
- Board of Directors Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM (currently virtual)
Serve as a Board liaison to at least one committee, including attendiong that committee's monthly meetings
Participate in Membership meetings
Prepare thoroughly by reading Board materials in advance

Inability to attend meetings regularly may result in removal from the Board, as outlined in the Bylaws. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to attend a Board meeting before the election.

Expect to devote about 30 hours per month to Board-related work, including meetings, preparation, email communication, and learning about Co-op operations and finances. Daily access to the internet and email is required.

Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities

Directors have the legal responsibility to:

Act in the best interests of the Co-op and its entire Membership
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Uphold cooperative principles and values
Protect the assets and reputation of HWFC

Directors must act within the limits of the Co-op's Bylaws and in accordance with New York State Cooperative Corporation Law and Business Corporation Law.

Board of Directors - Expectations If Elected:

Background Check Requirement (NYSLA)

As an elected Director who is selected to serve as an officer, you must complete the required paperwork and fingerprinting, as required by the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) to maintain HWFC's liquor license.

If there is anything you think may preclude you from being able to comply with these requirements, please contact HWFC Controller Ryan Rose who will forward your concerns to HWFC's attorney for advice.

Forms for Elected Directors Only

The following forms are referenced for information purposes only. Do not complete any forms unless requested by the Board Administrator.

New York State Liquor Authority Forms QUICK FIND Page
NYS Liquor Authority Personal Questionnaire Form
NYS Liquor Authority Applicant's Statement

The Board Administrator, boardadmin@honestweight.coop, in coordination with HWFC's attorneys, will initiate the NYSLA background check process for Board members selected to serve as one of these Board officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer).

If requested, you must coordinate with the Board Administrator and submit the following documents by the specified deadline. All materials may be completed and submitted digitally:

Completed NYSLA Personal Questionnaire Form
Completed and signed NYSLA Applicant's Statement
Color photo of yourself
Color copy of a government issued photo ID
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status

Disclosure Requirement

Those officers that are disclosed to the NYSLA will also need to disclose their spouse's name and social security number on the personal questionnaire form that is submitted to the NYSLA.

Fingerprinting

As part of the Notice of Corporate Change application process, the President, Secretary and Treasurer must be fingerprinted. Instructions will be provided by the Board Administrator. Fingerprinting is completed by a service provider designated by the NYSLA. Costs for fingerprinting will initially be paid by the Director. Reimbursement is provided by HWFC. Reimbursement forms are obtained in the HWFC finance department.

Questions? We're Here to Help

Board of Directors: board@honestweight.coop
Individual Directors can also be contacted, see website
Elections & Nominations Committee (ENC): electionscomm@honestweight.coop
Karen Roth, ENC Co-Chair
Paula McKeough, ENC Co-Chair
Karen Roth, Membership Manager, memberservices@honestweight.coop

We encourage you to reach out with any questions and thank you for considering service to Honest Weight Food Co-op and our community.