A grocery store owned by the people of Kent.
Fifty-five years on Main Street, three blocks from the river, in the same neighborhood where it started.
Our story
Kent Natural Foods Co-op opened in 1971 — when "natural foods" was a fringe idea and "local" was just where you were standing. A group of neighbors pooled their grocery money and rented a storefront so they could buy from farms within driving distance and from suppliers the supermarkets ignored.
The model worked because it answered to the people who used it. Five decades later, the same idea still drives the store: every member is a co-owner, every dollar stays close to home, and every product on the shelf has someone behind it we can name.
Today KNFC continues to be owned and operated by our members, with each member-owner having an equal voice in how the co-op is run. We're not a chain. We're not a franchise. We're a grocery store that belongs to its neighbors.
Our mission
To provide our community with access to wholesome, organic, and sustainably-produced food — while supporting local farmers, paying our staff fairly, and keeping the cooperative model alive in Kent.
Our values
- Community first. The store exists for the people who shop here, not for outside investors.
- Local before "local." We've sourced from Ohio farms since 1971 — and we still do.
- Open to everyone. No membership required. The same prices, the same service, every day.
- Honest sourcing. If we know who made it, we'll tell you.
- Stewardship. Better packaging, less waste, products we'd put in our own pantries.
What makes a co-op different.
Member-owned
Unlike traditional grocery stores owned by shareholders or corporations, KNFC is owned by its members. When you become a member, you become a co-owner of your local grocery store.
Democratic control
Every member gets one vote, regardless of how much they invest or shop. Members elect the Board of Directors and vote on major decisions affecting the co-op.
Community focused
Profits stay in our community. We support local farmers, host community events, and make decisions based on what's best for our members and neighborhood.
Open to everyone
You don't need to be a member to shop at KNFC. Everyone is welcome — membership simply provides additional benefits and a stake in the co-op's success.
The seven cooperative principles.
As a cooperative, we follow the internationally-recognized principles that govern every credit union, farmer-owned creamery, and electric co-op in the world.
1. Voluntary & open membership
Cooperatives are open to all who can use their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
2. Democratic member control
Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Each member has one vote.
3. Member economic participation
Members contribute equitably to the capital of the cooperative and share in its success.
4. Autonomy & independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
5. Education & training
Cooperatives provide education and training for members so they can contribute effectively.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together through local, regional, national and international structures.
7. Concern for community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
Our board of directors.
KNFC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by our member-owners.
Tony Gosmer
President
Murali Shanker
Vice President
Fred Pierre
Treasurer
Fred consults non-profits on IT strategy, and is the author of two books, Capital Disrupt and Flywheels. He also manages the FJ Kluth Art Gallery in Kent.
Sandy Brotje
Secretary
I've served on the KNFC Board for nearly six years, including nine months as President and four years as Secretary, focusing on keeping accurate and timely records for our community. Passionate about healthy, local food, you can find me every Saturday at the Haymaker Farmers Market and here at the store. Though retired, I'm as busy as ever! I teach yoga, love gardening, reading, and traveling, and cherish spending time with my 90-year-old mother, my three kids, and my grandchildren (who know me as Mimi).
Shannon Baxter
Board Member
To me, the co-op is a local gem that champions social awareness, environmental responsibility, and teamwork. I am grateful to contribute my skills in health, wellness, alternative healing, and customer service to our community. In an increasingly digital age, I believe in preserving personalized, individual attention for our members, customers, and volunteers, while fluidly adapting to the times. There is always something new to learn and a way to help, and I love growing alongside the co-op.
Elizabeth Ryan
Board Member
Julia Cohen
Board Member
Caitlin Williamson
Board Member
Charlie Hutter
Board Member
Become part of our story.
Join the hundreds of member-owners who keep good food close to home in Kent.