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123 N. Hill St
South Bend, IN 46617

574-287-6724

Board of Directors

Purple Porch Food Co-op Board of Directors

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Mike Keen, President

(2018-2021)

I believe we need to create new forms of economic organization that operate on the basis of a triple bottom line that balances people, planet, and prosperity. As consumers we must intentionally support such organizations and our local farmers and producers if we wish to create a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. This is core to the mission of PPC and why I consciously make an effort to purchase everything I can here.

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Judy Shroyer, Vice-President

(2018-2021)

By now shopping at PPC is a habit. I first joined when we were a once-a-week market at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. I believe that business does not have to be evil if its leaders maintain good focus and values, which we do.

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Danielle Meersman, Treasurer

(2015-2020)

I am on the Board and shop at PPC because I think supporting locally produced food and farmers is important to our community and planet.

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Amelia Ruggaber, Secretary

(2019-2022)

Our family values supporting local, meaningful businesses built on relationships. The PPC has become one of those meaningful businesses to us because they offer more than just clean food. In reflecting on how we want to spend our time as a family, we want to make contributions that will enable business built on community to flourish in the broader South Bend family.

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Benet Bartell

(2019-2022)

Why do I shop at PPC? The bulk section, the extensive vegan options, the cilantro lime hummus, the great environment and people, and the proximity to my apartment.

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Clare Mundy

I live a block away from the Purple Porch and so enjoy having a market with fresh offerings in the neighborhood. On top of that, I love the community aspect of PPC and the opportunity to support local farmers. And who can deny themselves a pint (or five!) of Outside Scoop ice cream?

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Charlotte Pfeifer

(2020-2023)

I believe in wellness, nutrition, and sustainability. I believe in supporting local endeavors. I especially believe in the missions of Co-ops. I have been a member of the Purple Porch a long time and was pleased to be able to serve it further as a board member.

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Danielle Wood

(2020-2023)

I am on the Board and shop at PPC because I think supporting locally produced food and farmers is important to our community and planet.


The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be 28th of July, 2020.

DATE and TIME: The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors is every FOURTH TUESDAY.  Meetings start at 6:30pm, usually last 2 hours, and are open to all Member-Owners.  Occasionally the board will need to meet in executive session which is board exclusive, but the other agenda items will normally come first.

The first 5-10 minutes are always reserved for Member-owners to participate. As a Member-owner - you are welcome.  Do you have questions for the Board?  Ideas on how to make the Co-op better?  This is your time.  

LOCATION: The normal meeting location is Purple Porch Co-op. **COVID MEETING LOCATION ON ZOOM. CONTACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR DETAILS at purpleporch.board@gmail.com

Purple Porch Co-op’s Board of Directors conducts its business using the Policy Governance Model, as do the boards of many cooperatives throughout the country.


The Bylaws

The Board Meeting Minutes

The Board Annual Calendar

Eligibility, Expectations, and Qualifications of Board Membership include:

  • Must be a Member-Owner of PPFC in good standing

  • Must be 18 years old or older

  • Must state all potential conflicts of interest on application and must not have an overriding conflict of interest

  • A three-year commitment to serving on the Board

  • Familiarity with and adherence to the Co-op’s Bylaws and Policy Governance

  • Preparation for, and active participation at, monthly Board Meetings & any ad hoc / emergency meetings.

  • Attendance at Board training sessions, the annual retreat, and the annual Owner meeting

  • Ability to understand financial statements provided by the General Manager (training provided!)

  • Access to the Internet and availability to respond to frequent Board work-related online communications including Email, access to Google Docs (where Board documentation resides) & phone.

  • A willingness to take responsibility for Board duties and to work together with understanding, mutual support and respect

  • An ability to keep information and materials confidential

  • Integrity, flexibility, and common sense

Role and Responsibilities of the Purple Porch Co-op Board of Directors:

  • Legal representative of the Owner / Members and is responsible for the overall well-being of Purple Porch Co-op.

  • Create and sustain a meaningful relationship with Owners

  • Hire, compensate, delegate responsibility to, and hold accountable a General Manager

  • Have expectations in the form of written governing policies that realistically address the broadest levels of all organizational decision and situations.

  • Assign responsibility in a way that honors our commitment to empowerment and clear distinction of roles

  • Regularly assess operational performance by monitoring our written governing policies

  • Perpetuate the board’s leadership capacity using ongoing education, training, and recruitment

  • Ensure that the cooperative remains financially secure and that owners receive a reasonable value on their equity in accordance with cooperative principles

  • All Directors commit to a Code of Conduct and must sign a Conflict of Interest form.

The board is not involved with the daily operations of the store.

The Board Directors have a duty to represent the Owners at large and not a particular constituency, and to act in the Owners’ best interests.