Page 18 - Chicago Market Community - Action Plan

OPPORTUNITIES & RISKS

Risks

• Loss of customers and owners interested in sustainable and local food options:
Access to sustainable, organic, and local food is a primary reason customers opt to shop
at food cooperatives over conventional chain grocery stores. Chicago Market risks losing
customer support and revenue without visible and demonstrated sustainability initiatives.
• Risk of disruptions / loss of resiliency: Whether local power outages, social unrest,
economic downturns, or climate events, lacking a robust sustainability plan can reduce
Chicago Market's and supporting vendor's overall resiliency.

• Failure to meet stated goals of the organization: For any organization, and especially
a cooperative, it is imperative to meet or exceed stated sustainability goals to maintain
the trust of stakeholders and customers/owners.

• Reduced competitiveness for funding: With an increased interest in sustainability
among government agencies and philanthropies, the lack of a compelling and supportable
sustainability narrative may threaten Chicago Market's ability to secure related grants
and funding.

• Reduced food yields and production instability due to ongoing climate change:
Although this is a global risk outside of a single organization's control, Chicago Market
must demonstrate leadership in addressing climate change and resiliency in the food
system.

CHICAGO MARKET SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN 18