Advisory Referendum Results and Next Steps

Dear Member-Owners,

Thank you to all of our members who participated in last month’s Advisory Referendum on the topic of a boycott of Israeli-sourced products at the East End Food Co-op. Member-led governance is the cornerstone of our cooperative organization. As a Board, we are grateful to have received additional input from the membership as we weigh this important matter.

In total, 611 member-owners voted in the Advisory Referendum, representing approximately 4% of eligible voters. The results were decidedly even: 308 (50.4%) voted in favor, 298 (48.8%) voted in opposition, and 5 (0.8%) were uncertain.

These results add to the body of input the Board will consider as we reach our final decision. In the seven months since this process began, we have taken the following steps in accordance with our Bylaws and our responsibility as fiduciaries of the Co-op:

  • We conducted an online survey in which more than 150 members offered thoughtful and informative comments.
  • We convened a special meeting led by a third-party moderator, during which members both for and against a boycott presented their views.
  • We consulted with our legal advisors about the potential implications of such a boycott under Pennsylvania and federal law.
  • We examined the experiences of several co-ops around the country that have gone through similar debates.
  • We discussed the potential operational and financial effects of a boycott with our management team.
  • We held an Advisory Referendum to further understand member opinion, the results of which are described above.

Our net and final step will be to vote on the matter at the upcoming public Board meeting, which will be held virtually on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Thank you once again to everyone who has taken the time to make their voice heard throughout this process. We are carefully considering the perspectives shared with us and remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this Co-op and its membership.

In cooperation,

East End Food Co-op Board of Directors
boardofdirectors@eastendfood.coop