Fostering Meaningful PFC Connections & Convos
Welcome to a friendly place where PFC Owners can obtain and share information, connect with other PFC Owners, and get owner-focused updates on Kalamazoo’s People’s Food Co-Op.
Disclaimer: This website does not claim to represent the opinions of the Board of Directors of the People’s Food Co-Op in Kalamazoo, MI or its managerial staff. Please contact us using the email or PO box below with any questions or concerns.
Calls to Action!
GO FUND ME (legal fees): We are accepting donations to the Go Fund Me for legal fees related to the complaint filed on behalf of nine plaintiffs (owners). (For more information regarding the legal proceedings, please scroll to the “Legal Matters” section below).
CHECK MEMBERSHIP: We are encouraging people to verify that their membership is up-to-date. You can check in person or by phone.
UPDATE CONTACT INFO: Be sure that PFC has your correct USPS mail and email addresses for the upcoming election.
CONSIDER APPLYING FOR THE BOARD: With the impending court-ordered (and ownership-desired) board election, there are new opportunities for people to openly apply for seats on the board. Click here for instructions on applying. Submit a completed packet (which was updated 9/23/26) by October 14, 2026 per the instructions in the packet.
LISTEN TO THE 9/20 MEETING RECORDING: If you were unable to attend the 9/20 meeting of PFC board members and owners at the People’s Church (virtually or in person) or would like to review what was said, the recording of the meeting can be found here.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOARD MATTERS: Register for upcoming financial webinar series at Columinate (free to any PFC owner); to jump in late (and receive recordings) of the Explorations in Policy Governance Series, Hether Jonna can get you registered. Email her at hetherjonna@columinate.coop.
Legal Matters
This is a lot of documents and pages, but if you have a lot of questions regarding the legal context, here is a LOT of information to get you started. If you have additional questions, please email info@pfcowners.org.
Final Verified Complaint with Exhibits
Orders Denying Ex Parte Motions
Michigan Law Regarding Cooperatives
Legal response from Martin, Bridgforth, PFC law firm
Legal response from law firm for Giorgio, Adelabi, Gregory, and Willhite
Motion to Compel Board Action on Member Petitions (August)
Defendants’ Emergency Ex Parte Filing 8-28-26
Hilgart’s Legal Response to Defendants’ Emergency Ex Parte Filing of 8-28-26
8-31-26 Notice of Hearing and Denial of TRO
9-4-26 Order for Preliminary Injunction
9-9-26 Defendants’ Supplemental Brief - Corporate Governance + Control
9-11-26 Plaintiffs’ Statement of Position Regarding Corporate Governance + Control
9-11-26 PFC Response to Defendants’ Supplemental Brief (Hilgart’s filing)
9-14-26 Order (Regarding Corporate Governance and Control)
9-18-26 Public Statement from Bovid Re: Why the Case Continues
News & Updates
5/01/26 Election of directors began
5/02/26 Summer farmers’ market opened under new management
5/02/26 Chris Dilley, PFC GM from 2003 to 2023, writes the PFC board with his concerns
5/12/26 PFC Owners for Concerned Governance Meeting at Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership (Kalamazoo College), 205 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)
5/17/26 Election ended
5/27/26 NO monthly board meeting (per a call to PFC; employee asked James)
6/12/26 Annual Meeting at Black Arts & Cultural Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo; 6:00 - 8:00 (per PFC email; 5:30 - 7:30 per phone call to the store)
6/25/26 PFC Owners for Concerned Governance Meeting at Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership (Kalamazoo College), 205 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30)
6/26/26 Deadline for defendants to submit response to legal complaint (extended at request from defendants’ counsel)
9/14/26 Judge Giguere ruled that bylaw-compliant elections must be held within 60 days
9/20/26 PFC Board of Directors Meeting (and potluck) at People’s Church, 1758 N. 10th St., Kalamazoo from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Here is the recording from that meeting.
10/14/26 Deadline to apply to run for the PFC Board. See “Calls to Action” section for links.
10/16/26 Board of Directors elections scheduled to begin. Electronic voting will be open immediately. Ballots will be printed and mailed over the following several days (make sure your address is correct at PFC if you plan to vote using a paper ballot).
11/11/26 Election will close (following a 21-day period). Special Owner Meeting to accommodate in-person voting, finish tabulating the ballots, and announce and election results and new directors. Location and time TBD.
11/12/26 First meeting of the new board. Location and time TBD.
About Our Work & Commitment to Equity.
We are a group of PFC owners working to restore accountable, democratic governance at People’s Food Co-op. Our efforts are grounded in cooperation, transparency, and community stewardship—principles that have long defined PFC.
We affirm the core values that PFC Natural Grocery & Deli was built on: being an anti-oppressive, inclusive, and community-owned cooperative. We believe those values must be reflected not only in words, but in governance, operations, and member engagement.
Non-Discrimination Statement
PFC Natural Grocery & Deli (People’s Food Co-op) and its owners embody an anti-oppressive, equal opportunity culture and community-owned store. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.
We oppose discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected or marginalized status.
This commitment applies to all aspects of the cooperative, including employment, membership, governance, and participation. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging for all members, workers, and community participants.