Leigh McCarren
Why do you want to serve on the Eastside Food Co-op Board of Directors?
Local food and co-ops have always been a large part of my life. I worked at a small co-op in college, started a student housing co-op, and then spent almost ten years working in Marketing for the Wedge Co-op. Now, as an active community partner through SACA Food Shelf and loyal shopper at Eastside, I'm interested in engaging on a deeper level and using my skills to give back to the coop and strengthen the board.
Share any skills, interests, and experience you would bring to the board. Examples may be drawn from any personal, educational, professional, or volunteer experiences.
I am a marketer and writer with a knack for building meaningful partnerships and driving initiatives forward. I have a deep understanding of co-op culture and local food retail from my involvement marketing team at Wedge Community Co-ops (2014 - 2023). Today, as a part of the leadership team of small nonprofit, I've honed my skills in long-term strategic thinking, driving initiatives forward, and planning for the future.
Eastside is founded on the 7 Cooperative Principles (https://www.eastsidefood.coop/about-co-ops). Choose one of the principles and describe how you think the board can encourage and foster this in our cooperative.
Autonomy and independence - In a time where so many things feel scary and uncertain on the national and global scale, the strength of Eastside lies in its ties to the local food system and deep roots in the community. It's the board's role to ensure that Eastside maintains independence through strong partnerships, sound financial management, and keeping its members at the forefront of decision making.
One of the board’s main responsibilities is to plan for the cooperative’s future. Please describe any experience with long-term strategic planning and/or collaborative decision making.
As a part of the leadership team at SACA Food Shelf, I drive strategic growth and future planning as the organization prepares to double in size in 2026. I guide strategy, lead meetings, take thorough notes, and follow up on action items that support the growth of the organization.
Eastside Food Co-op is “Here for Good.” What does that mean to you?
I've been part of many co-ops, but Eastside stands out above the rest. I truly believe that Eastside is here for the good of the community, the best interests of its members and neighborhood, and for the local farmers and vendors it partners with. You can feel that energy every time you shop, show up at an event, or interact with the staff or fellow members, and that is truly impactful.