2026 Board of Director Candidate
Valerie Hopson-Bell
Incumbent Board Member
Currently serving on the Executive Committee (Secretary). Previously served on the Nominating Committee (Chair) and Sustainability Committee, and volunteered at the Food for All 5k event.
I live in Spotsylvania County with my life partner, Pat Holland. Together we share a large, colorful family: two sons, two grandsons, twin granddaughters, and one beautiful great‑granddaughter.
Community has always been central to who I am — whether advocating for the queer community, supporting the unhoused population, championing community birthing doulas, or simply taking in the beauty of the Rappahannock River. This is my home.
Q&A
Why would you like to serve on the Board?
I would like to continue serving on the board to help the Coop to maintain the stable leadership in the absence of a permanent GM. I would love the chance to be a part of the continual success of this Coop. My hope is to finish what I started with this Board. I’ve grown to deeply appreciate what the Coop stands for and the role it plays in our community.
Have you done any volunteer work or contributed to the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, or another co-op, in the past? If so, please describe.
I learned more about the Coop’s mission through participating in the Walk with a Doc Program. After walking with and meeting some of the Coop founders and volunteers, I understood the importance of the Coop being an integral part of the Fredericksburg community. So, when I was approached to fill a seat for an exiting member, I said yes! The following year, I ran and was elected to fill a 3-year term, ending in October. Today, I serve on the executive committee as board secretary, helping to maintain operations in the absence of a permanent general manager.
In your view, how can the Board strengthen connections between the Co-op and the wider community?
Continue to partner with local organizations (i.e. schools, libraries and the local non-profits, etc.) to reach underserved populations and those that didn’t know the Coop existed. Another thought is what we currently do, which is to host workshops on healthy eating, sustainability issues and Co-op governance. Also to explain how Co-ops differ from conventional stores, highlighting ownership benefits, patronage dividends, and democratic control.
What strengths or skills do you feel you have that would add value to the Board?
At this point I will bring the knowledge/history of serving the board for 4 years. I also love to connect people and organizations with one another. The only way for us to improve our community is to know our neighbors.
What’s your favorite Co-op product?
The seasonal apple pie is my all-time favorite product. The café sandwiches…right now it’s the Banh Mi.