As co-ops, we have the privilege of sitting at the crossroads of commerce and social and environmental impact. The co-op business model has meaningful historical roots and today it remains a powerful tool that people in Black communities are using to enhance sovereignty. Black consumers have formidable buying power and shoppers of the community support companies that are creating a positive impact at a higher rate than others. When we see ourselves and the types of products we like to buy reflected on store shelves, we have a sense of belonging. It signals to us that we are included in the community. Inclusion helps build loyalty and is attractive to younger shoppers.

Black History Month in February opens up the opportunity to pause and take time to honor a mostly under-exposed history and acknowledge the work that is being done to claim agency and increase sovereignty amongst Black people. While Black History Month is limited to just one month, co-ops have many opportunities to connect with shoppers and create positive community impact throughout the year.

Seek out Black Suppliers
First and foremost, seek out Black suppliers. In addition to merchandising their products on your shelves, co-ops can also include Black-owned businesses in other purchasing activities. Nurture the relationship with your suppliers — share information that tells them who your shoppers are and how to sell to your co-op. Access to capital is one known barrier for business owners of color and all minoritized businesses overall, so offering to work with shortened payment terms early on can accelerate cash flow that can help suppliers get established. Be sure to consider business service suppliers in your purchasing activities as well.

Feature Vendor Profiles of Black-owned Businesses
Feature vendor profiles, like those offered at grocery.coop, in store and online. (And remember, anything you do to feature a vendor should be done with their consent). Build intermittent features throughout the year into your annual marketing plan. Sharing vendor stories throughout the year is valuable not only in demonstrating the authenticity that our shoppers expect, but it also reflects community connections and indicates to the shopper that your co-op cares about the long-term success of the supplier.

Access NCG’s Inclusive Trade resources, including a list of Inclusive Trade suppliers and a suite of Inclusive Trade marketing materials.

Celebrate Black Chefs
Call attention to the community of Black chefs influencing contemporary kitchens. Display chefs’ cookbooks or share recipes (with permission) from Black food bloggers. Also, when partnering with and requesting resources or time from the Black community, do not request or expect this for free. Always be willing to pay and honor their asking price. Partner with a local Black chef on a recipe and display recipe cards alongside ingredients. Make it easy for shoppers by integrating a QR code into signage that links to an electronic version of the recipe. Drive shoppers into the store by sharing the information on your website and social media. We’re inspired by this Gourmandise School news article that celebrates Black chefs, authors and innovators. Recommended within the article is a book by food activist and vegan visionary Bryant Terry that uniquely spans the intersection of stories, art, and recipes from across the African diaspora.

Share Information and Opportunities to Learn with Your Community
Encourage community members to learn more about the influence Black people have had in the American food world by suggesting people gather with friends and family to watch and discuss the Netflix series High on the Hog. Share information about Project Potluck with staff and local vendors of color. Project Potluck is the largest professional community for People of Color (POC) in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). Explore and consider making a donation to a few of the organizations profiled in WhyHunger’s article on Black-led nonprofits to support. Share information about these organizations with your staff and shoppers via social media, not only during Black History Month but also throughout the year.

Explore Ways to Support Black-led Foodways
Take stock of your local community to find out whether your co-op has an opportunity to collaborate with organizations working to make a difference through Black-led foodways. Have conversations and work directly with Black community members to identify their specific needs. As with any group, it is important not to assume the needs of a group as an outsider. If invited for a discussion, lead with transparency about your intentions and focus on hearing their needs and exploring ways you can be of support.

Keep in mind that Black people often receive an overload of requests during Black History Month. Reach out well in advance and be respectful of their time. Be prepared to discuss how the co-op will operationalize support throughout the year to address concerns about performative action.

Taking the approach of inclusive business growth contributes to our collective goals of supporting an inclusive economy and nurturing racial equity in the food system. As former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama said, “Success is not just about making money. It’s about making a difference.” We are grateful for you!