Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op honors the diversity of our owners, shoppers, staff, and community members. We recognize that individuals hold a wide range of opinions on local, regional, national, and global issues. While we encourage civic engagement and community participation, the Co-op must remain a welcoming, inclusive shopping environment for everyone.

To support our mission while maintaining a positive customer experience, tabling, petitioning, and organized solicitation on Co-op property are permitted only as outlined in this policy.

Community Partnerships

Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op welcomes nonprofit organizations to engage with our community on Co-op property. Priority will be given to organizations whose work aligns with the Co-op's Mission, Cooperative Principles, and commitment to supporting healthy people, healthy food, and a healthy community.

Priority areas include:

• Cooperative education and development

• Local food systems and food security

• Nutrition and wellness

• Organic and sustainable agriculture

• Environmental stewardship

• Local economic development

• Consumer education and safety

• Community health and well-being

• Social and economic equity

Organizations whose missions fall outside these areas may be considered at the discretion of Co-op management.

Political, Religious & Advocacy Activities

The Co-op is a place for people from many backgrounds and beliefs. To preserve a welcoming environment, the following activities are not permitted on Co-op property:

• Political campaign activities or candidate promotion

• Political party-affiliated organizations

• Religious proselytizing or recruitment

• Signature gathering for political initiatives or ballot measures

• Petitioning unrelated to issues officially supported by the Co-op

• Collection of on-site donations unless specifically authorized by management

• Any activity that could reasonably interfere with customers' ability to shop comfortably

Permission to table at the Co-op does not constitute endorsement of an organization, its mission, or its viewpoints.

Organizations are expected to provide educational information in an informative, respectful, and non-confrontational manner.

Co-op management reserves the right to approve, deny, or discontinue any tabling activity that is inconsistent with this policy or the Co-op's mission.

Tabling Requirements

Organizations wishing to table at Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op must comply with the following requirements:

1. Application

Eligible organizations must submit a Community Tabling Request Form at least three (3) weeks before the requested date.

Requests will be reviewed based on:

• Mission alignment

• Calendar availability

• Community benefit

• Customer experience

2. Frequency

Generally:

• Organizations may table no more than two times per calendar month.

• Only one organization may table at any given time unless otherwise approved by management.

3. Check-In

Upon arrival, organizations must check in with the PIC at customer service before setting up.

Staff will designate the approved location and review any applicable guidelines.

4. Equipment

Organizations are responsible for providing their own:

• Table

• Chairs

• Display materials

Displays should be professional, neat, and clearly identify the organization.

5. Conduct

Representatives must:

• Remain at their table.

• Allow customers to approach voluntarily.

• Be courteous, respectful, and welcoming.

• Answer questions without pressure.

• Keep conversations brief unless invited to continue.

Representatives may not:

• Stop or intercept customers.

• Approach customers entering or leaving the store.

• Solicit customers in the parking lot.

• Block sidewalks, entrances, exits, or accessible pathways.

• Engage in argumentative, confrontational, or disruptive behavior.

• Use any form of amplification.

• Use any signage which depicts disturbing images.

6. Fundraising & Sales

Fundraising, product sales, raffles, or requests for donations require prior written approval from Co-op management and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

7. Customer Experience

Providing an enjoyable shopping experience is our highest priority.

If Co-op staff observe behavior that:

• Harasses customers,

• Creates an uncomfortable shopping environment,

• Violates this policy, or

• Results in repeated customer complaints,

management may require the organization to modify its activities or immediately leave the property.

Serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or permanent loss of future tabling privileges.

Management Discretion

Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op reserves the right to interpret and administer this policy in a manner consistent with its Mission, Cooperative Principles, and commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all members of our community.