OVERVIEW: Concerned Owners of the People’s Food Co-operative of Kalamazoo (PFC) are seeking signatures on two petitions. One will enable Owners to hold a vote on whether or not to recall the current Board of Directors. The other will enable Owners to call a special meeting to elect a new Board, if the recall vote passes.

Below is an update on the current situation at PFC, followed by details about the petitions, including who is eligible to sign them. Opportunities to sign in-person and by mail are provided.

These are the EMERGENT ISSUES

On January 25, 2026, without prior communication to owners or previously documented board concerns the PFC Board of Directors voted to terminate long-term General Manager (GM) Alex Morris and enter into a paid contractor agreement with then–Board President James Bridgforth to serve as Interim General Manager (IGM).

This decision raises significant concerns about alignment with PFC’s established policies and cooperative governance principles. Under the approved “Succession Plan,” in the event of a sudden General Manager departure, senior staff are intended to maintain operations while a search for a new General Manager is conducted.

Since that time, PFC has experienced a period of rapid and substantial change. Multiple long-term and senior staff members have been terminated  or have resigned (6 and 3 staff respectively as of March 28). These individuals cited concerns about management approach and workplace conditions. PFC storefront operations and stock, especially from local vendors, have suffered significantly.

At the governance level, six Board members have resigned since January. Public statements from departing members reference concerns about the circumstances leading up to the decision and the action taken to replace the GM with the then Board President James Bridgforth; the Board not following bylaws or cooperative governance principals; and the Board’s ability to address ongoing issues. The current Board has filled these vacancies through appointment, exceeding that which is permitted by state law, and not allowing these seats to be elected by Owners. 

The Board is now making decisions in closed Executive Sessions, without public minutes, on issues that warrant Owner input and oversight. The Board has indicated that it is pursuing a second retail location in the short term - a major institutional change requiring a new business plan - but has provided Owners with no information about this initiative. These actions raise additional questions about adherence to PFC’s Bylaws, state statute and cooperative governance practices and show a sustained pattern of operating without transparency.

Many Owners have sought clarity about these developments, including the rationale for leadership decisions, the status of PFC’s financial health, and the plan for long-term management. To date, clear and consistent communication addressing these questions has not been provided, and a public search for a permanent General Manager has not been announced.

Why this matters

PFC is a cooperative, owned by its members. Its strength depends on transparent governance, accountable leadership, and active Owner participation. When there is uncertainty about decision-making processes, leadership structure, and organizational direction, it affects not only daily operations, but the long-term health and identity of the co-op.

A path forward for Owners

In response, concerned Owners are circulating two petitions:

• One to allow Owners to have a vote on whether to recall the current Board. This is not the recall vote itself, but a petition to get the voting process started.
• One to call a Special Meeting of Members (Owners) for the purpose of electing a new board if the recall is successful.

These petitions are not a conclusion—they are a process. If successful, they will give all Owners the opportunity to come together, ask questions, exercise their Owner rights, and determine the future direction of PFC through a transparent and democratic process.

To ensure this process moves forward in a way that follows PFC bylaws, Michigan state statute and the will of Owners, legal counsel is being consulted. 

What can Owners do now to exercise their rights and support cooperative governance

1. SIGN BOTH PETITIONS, preferably in person at one of the Petition Signing events listed below. They must be signed in ink. The signer needs to be the primary account holder since each paid membership grants one vote.
   1. • The signing Owner must be in good standing, meaning all payments must be up to date (if payments are being made).
      • If the secondary account holder wants to have a vote and sign, they must become an owner by purchasing an Ownership/Membership before signing the petitions.
      • If you are unable to sign in person:
        • Print them, sign them in ink (NO ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES)
        • Mail both petitions to the address below ASAP 
2. Contribute to the GoFundMe for Owner legal counsel: PFC GoFundMe Owner Fund
3. Vote in the Recall Election and Special Meeting Election
4. Fill out this GoogleForm for Owners with your contact information, petition signing status, and volunteer availability: PFC Owner Google Form
5. Consider running for the board

UPCOMING PETITION SIGNING EVENTS

Kalamazoo Farmer Market: 8am-12pm, Saturday, April 4, April 11, April 18
Factory Coffee on Frank Street in Kalamazoo: 5-7 pm, Wednesday, April 1

IMPORTANT: ALTHOUGH THIS SITUATION IS CONCERNING FOR MANY OWNERS, NO MEANS SHOULD BE TAKEN OR CONDONED BY ANY OWNER OR ANY PERSON OR ENTITY WHATSOEVER TO EMPLOY MEANS OTHER THAN PEACEFUL, NON-VIOLENT AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY ACTIONS.

PFC OWNERS FOR COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE
PO BOX 21
Plainwell, MI 49080

info@pfcowners.org