Duck Soup Food Coop Calls Emergency Meeting

A DeKalb food cooperative is holding an emergency meeting this Sunday, as it’s faced with the possibility of closing down after nearly 40 years. Duck Soup Food Coop has called for the special meeting of its membership because it’s on shaky financial ground; a letter posted on the organization’s Facebook page says it hasn’t kept up with the times, and needs to take steps in an effort to stay competitive with commercial food stores.

“The Duck Soup Coup needs serious and substantial financial commitment to continue. We recently consulted with an adviser from the Food Cooperative Initiative, and he evaluated our situation and offered recommendations. At this General Membership Meeting, we need to determine if there is financial support to keep the Duck Soup operating.”

Incorporated in 1974 as a not-for-profit entity, Duck Soup was originally a member only, pre-order buying club. As the Coop grew, they were able to operate as a storefront outlet where purchases could be made from stock inventory.  In 1990, the membership voted to open the store to the public as well as members. Duck Soup specializes in offering organic and other all-natural foods at bulk rates; but its offerings remain limited, even as other coops branch out to offer delis and other specialty services.

Duck Soup Coop has been hosting a Go Fund Me account to help them to pay off their debt to vendors, and help them buy new product to have in-store. Off-line donations are also being taken for this fundraiser. Interested parties can leave your donations (along with your contact information) with one of the cashiers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Patty Ruback at pattyruback@hotmail.com

The special meeting will be held at 5 o’clock Sunday evening at the Duck Soup Coop. This non-profit retail business is owned by the members, and they vote to decide how to proceed. If you are unable to attend this meeting, please share your thoughts with Mylan Engel, the Coop’s Board President, or one of your other board members. Contact information can be found on their website.