Dear Seward Co-op Community,

We know that there may be fear and uncertainty for some within our co-op community due to federal policy changes. Recent executive orders have the real potential to impact people based on their immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, and other marginalized identities.

We acknowledge the significance this may pose for staff and our community of owners and shoppers, and we want to take a moment to reaffirm our values as a co-op. As a community-owned cooperative, equity is central to our purpose and identity as a business. We will not waver from continuing this work.

Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

We have been in an intentional process of supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity in our policies and practices for over 12 years. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this work because it is the right thing to do and, frankly, because it is in the best interest of our business. We believe that the diversity and cultural competency of our staff allow us to best meet the needs of our diverse community with the best possible customer service, the most innovative ideas, and the most delicious food. We will continue to apply an equity lens to what we do through our management practices, purchasing decisions, and day-to-day interactions with customers.

Recognizing all gender identities

At Seward Co-op, we are committed to a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and celebrated. We want to be very clear that no action of the federal government will change our commitment to recognizing and supporting our Queer, Trans,  and gender-expansive staff and customers. Our co-op is and has been shaped into something stronger and more beautiful by everyone’s full presence and participation.

Tariffs and possible price increases

There is some uncertainty about whether there will be tariffs on products from Mexico or elsewhere. If tariffs, essentially import taxes, are imposed, they will impact prices at grocery stores everywhere. We know that price increases will be hard and hope that they are not necessary. Please keep in mind that no one at the co-op can control the impact that tariffs may have.

One way that Seward is different from other grocery stores is that we source so many of our products locally. In 2024, almost 38% of our sales were for items produced in the upper Midwest. By shopping at Seward, you can trust that much of your grocery bill supports a strong local economy rather than paying for import fees.

Response plan for immigration action

We want to affirm our care and support for immigrants on staff and in our wider community. Just like with LGBTQIA+ staff, having co-workers from different countries and cultural backgrounds makes our co-op richer and more full of life. Given the increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in recent days, we have a response plan in place that will provide the best possible support for our immigrant staff while complying with the law if ICE agents come to one of our stores.

For those concerned about or at risk of the implications of these executive orders, it is a valid response to feel despair or hopelessness in times like these. Fear is a natural response to developments that might put any of us in danger, but please know that our co-op has always been and will remain committed to the well-being of our staff, owners, producers, and broader community.

While we navigate the uncertainties of this time, we encourage community to center compassion and grace towards one another; we are all in this together. Baked into the bones of our organization is the fact that we get through hard times by working and staying together—our co-op was founded on the principles of solidarity on the local level. This work is how we build a better world. While we can’t predict the impact of actions at the federal level, we can do our best to be prepared to support each other.  We feel inspired and proud to work for an organization that puts people and community first and we hope you feel a sense of solidarity and strength as we move through this time together.

In cooperation,

Ray Williams, General Manager

Our Ends Statement: 

Seward Co-op will sustain a healthy
community that has:
• Equitable economic relationships;
• Positive environmental impacts; and
•Inclusive, socially responsible
practices.

“Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.” – The International Co-operative Alliance statement on cooperative identity