Dear cooperators and friends,

2025 was another year of growth for FCI. We have a new team, navigated a leadership transition and expanded our programs. These are some of our reflections as we plan for 2026.

Mercedes: There are so many conversations about ‘what’s next in food’ and the ‘future of food.’ The answer is us. I’m beyond proud of the work we are doing to build community-owned and community-focused solutions to make sure that we have the food we want and need forever. Thank you so much for trusting the FCI team to support you on your journey to opening your co-op. I hope you have a restful and joyful time before the new year.

JQ: In 2025 food co-ops alike once again showed me the power of cooperation.

In 2020, I watched us stand up as a movement to serve our communities, and our startups pivot to meet the almost-overnight changes that came at them. In 2025, as funding started disappearing and people felt powerless, we not only did some incredible community solidarity organizing to keep people fed but startup food co-ops pivoted to gather people around it as a way forward into an unknown and anxious future. None of us know what 2026 will hold, but I guarantee that we will be there building a vision of a better future and fighting to make it a reality.

Chris: What a whirlwind of a first year with FCI! I worked with over 100 communities, 62 of you through the Peer Learning Groups. I have learned so much! I love this work, and feel that doing what I can to support you all as you do the heavy lifting of barn-raising co-ops in your community is an absolute privilege.

I am grateful for the FCI team, JQ and Mercedes, and the Peer Learning Group facilitator team, for creating an incredible, collaborative, and committed space to learn, grow and succeed.

I look forward to continuing in 2026 and beyond to do what I can to support the startup movement to bring more, better, stronger co-ops into existence.

We are so excited to continue this work next year!

In cooperation,

The FCI team